Frequently asked questions

Mediation is a confidential meeting where a neutral mediator helps both sides work toward an agreement. The mediator does not decide anything. You and the other party make the decisions together.

In court, a judge decides the issues for you. In mediation, you decide. Mediation is usually faster, less expensive, and more private than a trial. It also gives you more say over details that matter to your family, like holiday schedules and how you will communicate going forward.

We mediate divorce, child custody and parenting plans, child support, alimony, division of property and debt, modifications of existing orders, and paternity-related custody issues. We also mediate disputes between parents and grandparents or other family members.

Yes. Both parties must agree to mediate. One person can start the process, but a session is confirmed only after both sides have agreed, both are named, and the conflict check is clear. Agreeing to mediate does not require anyone to reach an agreement.

Yes. Many families mediate after a case is filed. In many cases, mediation is required before trial. Mediation can also help with a post-divorce modification or before anything is filed at all.

The mediator keeps the conversation productive and fair. We help each side understand the issues and the options, and we help put any agreement into writing. The mediator does not take sides, and does not decide who is right.

No. The mediator is neutral and does not represent either party. We can explain how the process works, but we cannot tell you what is best for you legally. For that, you should talk with your own attorney.

You are not required to have one, but we encourage it. Your attorney can advise you before the session, attend with you, and review any agreement before you sign. If you do not have an attorney, you may still mediate. If you do have an attorney, they must attend mediation with you.

Four Corners Legal Group, PLLC is a mediation practice affiliated with Hankey Law Firm, LLC. The two are separate businesses. As mediators, we do not represent either side, and nothing on this site is legal advice or an offer of representation.

Before any session is confirmed, the office runs a conflict check against Hankey Law Firm, LLC’s records. If either party is a current or former client, or has another connection to the firm, we will tell both sides and address it before moving forward. That may mean assigning a different mediator.

Think about what matters most to you and what you could live with. Gather the documents that relate to your issues, and talk with your attorney if you have one. It helps to come with an open mind and a willingness to listen.

Bring what relates to the issues being mediated. That often includes recent pay stubs and tax returns, bank and retirement statements, mortgage and debt statements, insurance information, and any current court orders. For custody matters, bring school and activity calendars and any proposed parenting schedule.

Briefs and documents are uploaded through the secure link the office sends you. They are encrypted and stored with your case only. Only office staff can open them, and they are never published on the website.

A half-day session is three hours. A full-day session is six hours. Simple matters may resolve in a half day. Cases with several contested issues usually need a full day, and some need more than one session.

No. The parties do not sit in the same room. Each side has its own room, and the mediator moves between them. We can keep you separate for the entire session, from arrival to signing.

Yes. We offer attendance by Zoom. One or both parties may attend by Zoom, or the session can be a mix of in-person and Zoom attendance. Each side meets privately with the mediator in a separate breakout room, so the parties stay apart just as they would in person.

No. Children do not attend mediation. Our focus in custody matters is on their needs, but the conversation is between the adults.

Your attorney should attend. Support persons may also attend as permitted under the Alabama mediation rules. Please let the office know ahead of time who will be attending. Anyone attending must keep the session confidential.

Yes. Under Alabama’s mediation rules, what is said in a mediation session cannot be disclosed in court, and the mediator cannot be compelled to testify. If the case does not settle, nothing from the settlement discussions is admissible as evidence. There are limited exceptions, such as information about child abuse or a threat of harm to someone. Your attorney can explain how confidentiality applies to your case.

Yes. The mediator often meets with each side separately. Anything you share in a private meeting stays with the mediator unless you say it can be shared with the other side.

Your safety comes first. Please tell the office during intake, in confidence. Every family matter is screened before a session is confirmed. Alabama law limits when mediation may go forward in cases involving domestic violence. In some cases, mediation is not appropriate at all. In others, it may proceed only at the request of the person harmed, with a specially trained mediator, and with a support person present. We will talk with you about what is safe and appropriate before anything is scheduled.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The terms are written down that day, before everyone leaves. Each party, and each party’s attorney if present, reviews and signs the written agreement. In most family cases, the agreement is then submitted to the court to be approved and made part of a court order.

A signed mediation agreement is generally treated as a binding contract, so read it carefully before you sign. Agreements involving custody, child support, or divorce must also be approved by the court. Your attorney can review the agreement with you before you sign.

That is fine. Many families settle some issues in mediation and leave the rest for the court. Narrowing the issues can still save time and money.

You are free to go forward in court. The mediator will not tell the judge who was reasonable or what was said, and cannot be compelled to testify. Settlement discussions from mediation are not admissible as evidence.

Yes. Some cases need more than one session, especially when information is still being gathered. Families can also return later if circumstances change and an order needs to be modified.

Fees are based on session length. Current rates are listed on the Fees page.

The fee is split equally between the parties unless they agree otherwise or the court orders a different split.

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Start on the Schedule page. You will pick a date and name every party and lawyer. The office then runs a conflict check. Once it is clear, both sides receive a confirmation email and calendar invite.

Not yet. Booking reserves the date while the office runs the conflict check. The session is confirmed only after that review is complete.

In-person sessions are held at our office at 409 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman, Alabama. Parties may also attend by Zoom. We serve Cullman and northern Alabama. We can host mediation in our office or travel to your location.