We start by creating a safe space where everyone can speak honestly without fear of judgment. A facilitator guides the conversations so emotions don't take over. We focus on understanding what's really driving the conflict, not just the surface arguments. Our job is to help family members hear each other and find solutions that actually work for everyone. The goal isn't to win or lose, but to resolve the issue in a way that makes your family stronger. Everything stays completely confidential.

Family Legacy Planning is about having the conversations most families avoid until it's too late. We work together to clarify your family's values, plan for leadership transitions, and create plans for making important decisions as a family. This might include succession planning for a family business, preparing the next generation for responsibility, or simply establishing how your family will handle major decisions going forward. It's proactive work that prevents crises and keeps families connected across generations.

Yes, because they're usually connected. When there's tension in the family business, it shows up at family events. When personal relationships are strained, it affects business decisions. We work with families to address both sides - the business structure and legal issues, plus the relationship dynamics that make everything work. You don't need to choose between fixing the business or fixing the family. We handle both for you.

Most family situations resolve in 3-6 sessions over a couple of months. Simple conflicts between two people often take less time. More complex situations involving multiple family members or business issues may take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline after our first conversation when we have a better understanding of what you're dealing with. The important thing is that we move at a pace that allows for real resolution, not just a quick fix that falls apart later.

Confidentiality is one of our core values. Unless required by law, we will not share that you are a client nor will we share our conversations. Before we start, everyone signs confidentiality agreements, and we establish clear ground rules about what can and cannot be shared outside our sessions. We understand that family conflicts are deeply personal, and trust is essential. Your family's business stays your family's business.

Our team brings a unique combination of legal training and mediation expertise specifically focused on family dynamics. This legal background helps us understand the broader implications of family decisions and structure agreements that actually work long-term. Most mediators focus only on resolving the immediate dispute. We help families address the underlying issues that created the conflict and create solutions to prevent future problems. It's about creating lasting change, not just temporary peace.

We meet for about 90 minutes, usually in person or virtually if that works better. Who participates depends on the situation. Sometimes it's just two family members, sometimes it's the whole family. We start by getting everyone's perspective on the table, then work toward solutions everyone can live with. We keep things structured and productive so emotions don't derail the conversation. Between sessions, we might give you specific things to work on or think about.