Useful Mediation was started by Julie LaVan, a prior litigator, attorney and business owner that advocates for useful, neutral, cost-effective, time efficient, peaceful, and advantageous resolutions and options to issues concerning individuals and businesses without the interference of the legal and court system. Prior to starting Useful Mediation, Julie LaVan experienced the traumatic, costly, biased, unresolved effects of the legal and court system, both personally and professionally. Julie managed LaVan Law and was a shareholder, general counsel and partner in various business entities. Julie is a Certified Professional Mediator from Cornell University’s School of Industrial Labor and Relations (ILR).

Philosophy

Litigation can cause trauma to the litigants and their families both financially and emotionally. Being tied to the court system is a lose-lose for all parties. The court system in its entirety does not have the empathy, understanding, care or concern the parties have for their families and businesses. The parties have little to no control over the outcome of major decisions that greatly impact their lives.

Mediation is a useful, neutral, cost-effective, respectful and peaceful way to handle issues, disputes and important matters involving all aspects of a person’s life. A Mediator offers a controlled and collaborative approach to finding options and resolving important issues, whether legal, financial, professional, personal or business related.

Mostly, mediation alleviates the uncertainty of the courts. Mediation participants with the assistance of an experienced neutral mediator can resolve their important issues amicably, efficiently, cost-effectively, timely, confidentially and with clarity and understanding of the process, options and outcome. Also, it allows participants to make various helpful and strategic decisions including tax and legal implications.

Overall, mediation is a useful, neutral, peaceful way to resolve important matters for the participants and their families.