Resolve Conflicts Quickly and Affordably

At Family First Divorce Mediation Services, we help you resolve conflicts at a fraction of the time and cost of going to court. Our mediator listens to your unique situation, takes the time needed to gather essential information, and guides you through productive discussions. With a caring and skilled approach, we create a supportive environment where everyone can speak openly to find lasting solutions. Benefit from our mediator's extensive legal experience and expertise in handling complex matters. Our services are now available nationwide via online video conferencing, offering you convenience and flexibility.

Services Provided

Divorce Mediation

Recognizing the financial and emotional toll of traditional divorce proceedings, we offer a more amicable and efficient alternative to reduce conflict and legal costs.

Divorce Mediation

Our mediator employs a collaborative technique that helps couples agree on how to divide their property, provide support, and plan for parenting. Statistics show that children fare better when their parents mediate, benefitting from reduced stress and more cooperative parenting.

Employment Mediation

With over 30 years of legal experience representing both employers and employees, our mediator brings a profound understanding of workplace issues.

Employment Mediation

We offer employment mediation services designed to resolve disputes efficiently, avoiding the stress, cost, and time associated with prolonged litigation. Employment mediation also facilitates a quicker, mutually agreeable solution that can improve workplace dynamics and enhance overall job satisfaction.

Faith-Based Divorce

Our mediator's understanding of religious lifestyles allows us to provide mediation services for faith-based divorces, guiding couples through their separation in a way that aligns with their faith.

Faith-Based Divorce

By fostering open communication, our mediator helps couples find creative solutions that work for their unique needs and respect their faith and values. Mediation gives couples more control over the terms of their divorce, allowing them to make decisions that are best for themselves and their family.

Business Mediation

With extensive legal experience and specialized training, our mediator employs a structured and facilitated negotiation process, guiding parties toward mutually agreeable solutions.

Business Mediation

This method is beneficial for business mediation as it not only avoids the high costs and lengthy timelines of litigation but also focuses on addressing underlying business interests and goals. By promoting collaborative problem-solving, we help preserve professional relationships and support long-term business success.

Key Benefits of Mediation

Cost-effective

The process takes less time than the legal system, making the cost a fraction of litigation costs.

Reduced Stress

The process is less adversarial and parties have control over the outcome, rather than leaving decisions to a judge.

Faster Resolution

The parties engage in direct discussions that are not dependent on the court’s schedule.

Customized Solutions

The parties can communicate openly and work collaboratively to create solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Preserves Relationships

Mediation fosters cooperative problem-solving, which can help maintain or improve personal relationships.

Why Choose Us?

Expertise and Experience
We bring over 30 years of legal experience, formal training and certification in mediation practices, and strong conflict resolution and communication skills. Our comprehensive background ensures we can effectively manage and resolve complex disputes.
Client-Centered Approach
We offer a personalized and empathetic approach to mediation, helping clients feel heard and supported throughout the process. By focusing on each client's unique concerns, we foster a positive and collaborative resolution experience.
Online Video Conferencing
Our remote services provide convenience and flexibility, allowing for participation in mediation sessions from the comfort of your home. With our extensive experience in handling conflicts virtually, we strive to create a non-intimidating environment that fosters effective discussions.

Services Available Nationwide

Our online video conferencing allows you to join mediation sessions from any location, eliminating the need for travel. This flexibility means sessions can be scheduled at times that are convenient for everyone involved, accommodating different time zones and busy schedules.

KEY BENEFITS OF VIRTUAL MEDIATION:

1
FLEXIBILITY
Schedule sessions at times that work best for you, no matter where you are.
2
CONVENIENCE
Participate from the comfort of your home or workplace, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with in-person meetings.
3
ACCESSIBILITY
Avoid the logistical challenges of in-person meetings, making the mediation process more accessible and less time-consuming.
4
BETTER COMMUNICATION
Video conferencing tools such as screen sharing and document exchange enhance listening and communication.
5
UNINTERRUPTED SPEAKING
The mediator can mute participants when needed, ensuring everyone gets a chance to speak without interruptions.
6
PRIVATE DISCUSSIONS
Virtual breakout rooms allow each participant to speak freely with the mediator separately from the other participants.

By participating in mediation remotely, you can experience more honest and productive conversations, leading to BETTER OUTCOMES for everyone involved.

Mediator Spotlight

Ilene Freier Brookler, the founder of Family First Divorce Mediation Services, brings over 30 years of experience as a licensed attorney in both New York and California. A graduate of Columbia University School of Law, Ilene is committed to professionalism and amicable dispute resolution. Her expertise in virtual dispute resolution ensures a non-intimidating setting and productive environment for all parties involved.

Ilene's approach is deeply client-focused, aiming to empower individuals to navigate challenging situations by making informed decisions. Trained by the National Association of Certified Mediators, she is passionate about mediation and dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and respect. Her goal is to help facilitate fair, personalized solutions that are both sustainable and conducive to maintaining positive relationships.

Testimonials

Ilene is exceptional at helping with family problems. She quickly grasped and understood the situation, and truly knew what we each needed and wanted. She eased the tensions between us and helped us talk things out to find a solution that worked.
-Beth O.
I can't recommend Ilene highly enough for divorce mediation. Her expertise saved me a significant amount of money by helping me navigate decisions without going to court. Ilene's compassionate and professional approach made a challenging time much more manageable.
-Eli T.
Ilene was really understanding and patient, and she helped us work out our situation smoothly. She's smart, considerate, and got everything done just right.
-Hadassah L.
Ilene has a keen eye for detail and a deep commitment to fairness. She excels in helping people through conflicts to find workable solutions. She is focused, professional, while also being empathetic. She is respectful of peoples' differences and allows everyone to be heard.
-Natalie S.
I was told that my religious concerns regarding my children wouldn't be considered by the family court. Ilene Brookler’s legal skills and compassionate approach respected my needs and prioritized my family’s best interests. We avoided a contentious divorce court battle and achieved a peaceful resolution.
-Esther L.

3 Easy Steps

Start by giving us a call for a free consultation. If your matter qualifies for mediation, we will schedule an initial session with our mediator. In this first session, we will explain the mediator's role, establish ground rules, and identify underlying issues. We will also set forth an agenda for the mediation process so everyone knows what to expect and how we plan to proceed.
1
Convening
1 Convening
Start by giving us a call for a free consultation. If your matter qualifies for mediation, we will schedule an initial session with our mediator. In this first session, we will explain the mediator's role, establish ground rules, and identify underlying issues. We will also set forth an agenda for the mediation process so everyone knows what to expect and how we plan to proceed.
The negotiation process may involve a series of sessions, typically lasting 3 to 4 hours each. During these sessions, the mediator helps uncover the relevant facts, guides participants in discussing their interests productively, and brainstorms various options. The goal is for everyone to work together to reach agreements that are fair and acceptable to all participants.
2
Negotiation
2 Negotiation
The negotiation process may involve a series of sessions, typically lasting 3 to 4 hours each. During these sessions, the mediator helps uncover the relevant facts, guides participants in discussing their interests productively, and brainstorms various options. The goal is for everyone to work together to reach agreements that are fair and acceptable to all participants.
In the final step, the mediator will guide the parties toward a negotiated resolution, and draft a written document summarizing what was decided. The draft agreement will be reviewed and revised as needed by the parties. The final version can be signed and notarized by all parties, and if desired, can become legally binding.
3
Resolution
3 Resolution
In the final step, the mediator will guide the parties toward a negotiated resolution, and draft a written document summarizing what was decided. The draft agreement will be reviewed and revised as needed by the parties. The final version can be signed and notarized by all parties, and if desired, can become legally binding.