How Do I Choose Between a Lawyer & a Mediator?

You are facing a family law issue and wondering: Do I need to ‘lawyer up’ and have someone specifically on my side, or do we need a mediator to help both of us find compromise?

This is a great question. As a South Central Kentucky family law attorney and an experienced mediator, I have a few basic thoughts on how to make sure you arrive at the right starting point for your case.

Attorney vs. Mediator: Two Distinct Roles

It is important to understand that an attorney and a mediator serve two fundamentally different purposes in a family law matter:

The Role of an Attorney

• Primary Goal: Advocacy and Protection for one of the parties - - but never both.
• Action: An attorney's role is to advocate for your individual rights in and out of court, file motions when required, respond to filings by the opposing party, and at all times to provide you with confidential legal advice specific to your situation under Kentucky law
• When You Need One: When you need someone in your corner to represent your specific interests and to guide you toward the best resolution of your case.

The Role of a Mediator

• Primary Goal: Facilitation and Resolution for both of the parties.
• Action: A mediator is a neutral third party whose job is to help both sides explore and, if possible, reach a voluntary, mutually acceptable agreement outside of court. A mediator does not offer legal advice to either party, and is not empowered to make binding decisions.
• When You Need One: When you and your spouse or co-parent are willing to talk and want a structured, confidential process to resolve your disputes and avoid the cost and stress of a litigated case.

Which Consultation is Right for You?

To help you decide, consider your immediate needs:

Schedule an Attorney Consultation if:

• You need someone to represent you immediately in a divorce, custody, or support case.
• You have been served with court papers and need to file a formal legal response.
• You need clear, confidential legal advice on your rights and obligations under Kentucky law before making any decisions.

Schedule a Mediation Session if:

• You and the other party want to avoid court and are willing to talk to resolve your issues.
• You are already represented by an attorney, but you need a neutral mediator to help negotiate a settlement with your spouse or co-parent.
• You and the other party have already agreed on some major issues but need help finalizing the complex details (like a parenting schedule or asset division).

Whether you need a dedicated advocate from Reed Law Group or a neutral facilitator with Cedar Ridge Solutions, we are here to help you find the most constructive path forward. We invite you to contact us today to discuss which option fits your immediate needs.