When you have a difficult problem that you would prefer to keep confidential, mediation provides a problem-solving process that can provide practical solutions.
    Disputes can split a church, devastate a partnership and crumble a business. And all are vulnerable to unwanted press. Mediation is a voluntary process of conflict resolution and a private, cost-effective alternative to public proceedings.
   Even when reconciliation can't be achieved, mediation can be helpful. Divorce mediation can give both parties more control over their lives. It can avoid a courtroom battle. Children impacted by the breakup (including adult children) can included as needed to limit their feeling like victims.  Mediation can be used later too.  Post-divorce disputes can be resolved in a less-adversarial manner. Parents can avoid a combative stance and focus more on the welfare of the child. It is a win-win situation.

What is mediation?

Non-attorney mediation is a confidential, voluntary, cost-effective way to make major decision and resolve disputes. It avoids litigation, adversarial relationships and can often be accomplished in 10 hours or less.

Confidential. No one will know what's decided unless you tell them. Litigation and court procedures are a matter of public record. Mediation is private.

Voluntary. You can quit whenever you want. You're in control. Mediation will not force you to do anything. You decide.

Cost-effective. Contested divorces can cost $30,000-50,000. Corporate lawsuits are extremely expensive and disruptive. Mediation is typically a tenth of the cost of adversarial resolutions.

Shorter time. Mediation takes weeks, not months or years. No  interrogatories, no dispositions, and no costly expert witnesses or frustrating delaying tactics. 

Why me?

"I'm not an attorney. I give no legal advice or legal filings. I make no legal filings. My goal is to be helpful. I'm not out to make a case for or against anyone. I'm a neutral, independent, impartial professional mediator.

My first experience as a mediator was as a doctoral student at the University of Washington. I was paired with a law student and we provided divorce and relationship mediation. It was one the first pilot projects of mediation at a major university.

Over the last 20 years, I have used my mediation training in a variety of ways. I have taught, counseled, advised, encouraged, moderated, mediated and assisted many non-profits, corporations, families and individuals.

The fee is collected pay as you go and is split between the parties. There is no charge for usual expenses (postage, phone, fax and copying)."

Divorce Mediation Business Disputes Pre-Marital Agreements Post-Nuptial Agreements Post-divorce agreements

Dr. Tangen is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution, Southern California Mediation Association, and American Association of Marriage & Family Therapy.