Initial Consultation:
Mediator Matthew House, J.D.
Matthew offers two options for initial contact:
Most clients opt for a full-length consultation, as it provides a more detailed understanding of the process and how it can meet your needs. If you have already had the free 15-minute meet-and-greet, the full-length consultation is 60 minutes. If you have the meet-and-greet and the consultation at once, the total time is 75 minutes. Here is a comparison of the options:
Please note: Both parties to the case requiring mediation must be present for the consultation. You must be personally and directly involved in an active family law matter or a conflict that requires family law mediation.
- A 15-minute meet-and-greet conversation, free of charge, via Zoom.
- A full-length consultation (60-75 minutes), in person or via Zoom, for the discounted fee of $146.
Most clients opt for a full-length consultation, as it provides a more detailed understanding of the process and how it can meet your needs. If you have already had the free 15-minute meet-and-greet, the full-length consultation is 60 minutes. If you have the meet-and-greet and the consultation at once, the total time is 75 minutes. Here is a comparison of the options:
Please note: Both parties to the case requiring mediation must be present for the consultation. You must be personally and directly involved in an active family law matter or a conflict that requires family law mediation.
Who attends a meet-and-greet and/or a consultation? Both parties. Matthew will not hold a full consultation with only one party present. The consultation is provided at a discounted fee and usually results in both parties agreeing to begin mediation. It is less likely that both parties will agree to mediate if only one attended the consultation. Please note: You do not have to be present in the same room as the other party. Most consultations take place via Zoom, and each party may use a different device and be located apart, if you choose. You are also welcome (and encouraged) to sit together in the same room for the consultation.
What is the scope? The chart above illustrates the differences among the options.
- The goal of a 15-minute meet-and-greet is to ensure that we are a good fit to work together and that your goals can be achieved through mediation.
- At a full-length consultation, you will get a more detailed overview of the process and how mediation can meet your needs.
- At a mediation session (usually scheduled after a full consultation), you will discuss and resolve issues specific to your case.
May we begin mediation without a full consultation? Yes. If you believe that you already know enough about Matthew and the divorce mediation process, you may bypass the consultation and begin with a two-hour mediation session. You should still schedule a free 15-minute meet-and-greet prior to mediation.
Do we need to prepare anything prior to the consultation? No. Only the signed Consultation Agreement is required at the consultation.
To arrange a consultation: Please send an email to matthewmhousejd@gmail.com. After you arrange a time and date, Matthew will send you a Consultation Agreement to sign and return by email.