Family Law Mediation, and other Private Mediation

​"Would you be willing to take my case again?...   You are the only attorney I have had who has understood the realities and complexity of this case...." 
-Unsolicited comment from repeat client, very complex problems, family law, abuse, criminal.

LEGAL QUESTION: I hired a lawyer for a Motion to Change Custody. The judge ruled on two things, & ordered us to go to mediation for six undecided major problems. She's stalling, canceling, imo scamming. Eight whole months now.  What to do. ATTORNEY TRICIA DWYER'S ANSWER: Hello. Excellent questions! The question is 'what is reasonable'. Even if none of the specific differences/issues between the two of you are not urgent ones, eight mos. is not reasonable. If you aren't proactive to correct a possible 'wrongdoing', 'stalling' (by the other party) could go on even up to the time your kid/kids are grownups. Yes, we have COVID-19, flu and RSVirus, but most - perhaps nearly all - mediation is done remotely (eg, Zoom) at this time, not in person. There are 100s upon 100s upon 100s of 'mediators'. I myself am a credentialed child custody mediator, as well as child custody attorney.  General tips: When you are choosing a mediator know they are NOT AT ALL the same'!! There are least 4 major types of 'mediation' types/styles/forms; I myself was trained in a highly respectful type of mediation known as Transformative Mediation or Real Mediation. I urge you have all mediators you are considering email you current resumes/bios', and current detailed statements describing real, actual mediations in which they have participated, date by date. Also remember every mediator is a human being - all of us have biases, some are known as 'Implicit Biases' - some of us are far more aware of biases and prejudices human beings to which each of us is subject than others. I urge DO be a good consumer and make phone calls, etc., do the legwork involved in knowing exactly who it is you've chosen to help you. And always beware so called free advice.

Attorney Tricia Dwyer has been rated 'Superb' by Avvo for multiple years

• Strong. Trusted. Kind & Caring. Understanding. Years of Experience.  The Focus is on You.
• Read Unsolicited Client Comments here  Full or limited attorney help; pay as you go approach, no big retainer in nearly all cases, never a flat fee in family law cases.
• Never talked to a lawyer?  Fired your lawyer? Maybe want limited lawyer help only?
• No legal problem is too tough​​​                                   "Thank you very much! You are truly a Godsend!" ​  -​Unsolicited comment from client with complex problems, family law, addiction, recovery, relapse, & criminal legal problems

FAMILY LAW

• DIVORCE 
• CHILD CUSTODY
• DOMESTIC ABUSE 
• ORDER FOR PROTECTION / OFP  Harassment Order / HRO.  Restraining order, Protective Order, No Contact Order, DANCO
• Men's rights, Fathers rights ​
• CHILD PROTECTION INVESTIGATION / CPS  
• Limited Scope Legal Services, Unbundled Lawyer
• Attorney Legal Advice, Second Opinions
• Elder Abuse Conservatorship, Guardianship
• ​​CRIMINAL DEFENSE ​
  • Police questioning, investigation or Surveillance. Fear of arrest. Hiding from the law
  • Crime Victim Lawyer Representation, Juvenile Crime Victim, Witness To Crime Lawyer, Subpoena To Testify, Trial, Grand Jury
  • Arrest. Jailed Loved One
  • Juvenile/Teen/Child Criminal Defense
  • Misdemeanor, Gross misdemeanor  


• Attorney Dwyer may appear in all MN County Courts, including Hennepin, Anoka, Ramsey, Washington, Dakota, Stearns, Wright, Olmsted, Scott, St. Louis, Sherburne 
• Conciliation Court
• School Law: Students Rights
• Name Change
• Reduced fee sliding scale for hardship. No big retainer in most cases, never a flat fee in family law cases!
• No legal problem is too tough

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​Note: All writings on this website are not legal advice.