How Pro Bono Mediation Assists Utah Families: Blakelock Law's AFCC Experience
Blakelock Law was privileged to be part of the inaugural Utah County Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Mediation Day, a poignant event at the Fourth District Courthouse in Provo, Utah. We are eager to recount our experience and illuminate how pro bono mediation provides an indispensable avenue to family law resolution for Orem and other Utah families.
The Power of Community and Pro Bono Legal Services
AFCC Mediation Day was made possible by a committed team of volunteer judges, commissioners, attorneys, mediators, and mental health professionals. Their common goal was to offer free, pro bono mediation services to 20 self-represented families with difficult family law disputes. This joint endeavor underlines the value of community resources in assisting individuals who lack financial resources for customary litigation.
Our team at Blakelock Law was at the heart of the action, working alongside other professionals to create a collaborative, productive space for families. We helped guide them through difficult conversations, enabling them to find peaceful resolutions and reach agreements with clarity and dignity. This pro bono work is about more than just legal services; it's about providing a compassionate and supportive environment when families need it most.
A Win for One Family, a Point of Pride for Our Firm
We are particularly proud to say that the case we dealt with was the first to settle that morning. The parties were prepared to come to the mediation and settle, and we were honored to be a part of their final agreement that left them with peace and closure. These are the moments when a family exits the courthouse with hope and a lighter heart that make us so passionate about the work that we do.
What We Learned About the Benefits of Mediation
The AFCC Mediation Day highlighted the numerous advantages of family law mediation, such as:
Empowering Families: Mediation returns power to the families themselves. Rather than having a judge decide for them, the parties collaborate together to develop solutions that best suit their individual situations.
Cost-Effectiveness: The cost of a long court fight can be daunting to many families. Pro bono mediation offers an expense-free option, and even fee-based mediation tends to be much less costly than going to court.
Less Conflict: By encouraging communication and negotiation in a neutral environment, mediation minimizes hostility and can set the stage for a less adversarial co-parenting relationship down the road.
Efficiency: Mediation can usually settle family law disagreements much quicker than trial, enabling families to proceed with their lives sooner.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Fourth District Courthouse, AFCC organizers, and all of the volunteers that helped make this event such a huge success. This was one of the highlights of our year, and we eagerly anticipate the next chance to serve the Orem and other Utah families.
Contact Blakelock Law for Your Utah Family Law Needs
If you are dealing with a family law problem, whether it is a divorce, custody battle, or something else, you do not have to navigate it by yourself. Mediation can be an effective way of determining the way forward. Call Blakelock Law today to talk about how we can assist you in obtaining an effective and amicable resolution.
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