Parting Waters Mediation

Types of situations handled

Parting Waters Mediation specializes in:

• Separation and divorce mediation
• Post-divorce mediation (adjusting parenting plans or financial arrangements after a judgment)
• Nontraditional family mediation, including diverse family structures

Typical topics addressed include:

• Parenting plans and co-parenting arrangements
• Legal custody/decision-making
• Parenting time/scheduling
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Property and asset division
• Debts and liabilities
• Cash flow and budgeting
• Open adoption and other family-related matters

Approach and philosophy

• Collaborative and empowering: Clients work together with the mediator to identify solutions, and the family makes the final decisions.
• Comprehensive support: The team brings decades of combined experience, from initial consultation through preparation and filing of legal paperwork if clients choose that option.
• Calm and supportive environment: Mediators provide a structured but flexible framework that helps all parties feel heard and understood.
• Child-centered: Parenting plans are developed with a focus on the best interests and developmental needs of the children.
• Cost-effective alternative to litigation: Mediation is presented as a more affordable and efficient option than traditional attorney-driven negotiation or court litigation.
• Customized: Services are tailored to the unique needs, values, and goals of each family, with referrals available to outside professionals such as financial analysts, realtors, and child development specialists when needed.

Session format

• Session length: Most mediation sessions are approximately 2 hours long.
• Format: Sessions can be held in person at the Portland office or online.
• Participants: All parties to the dispute are expected to attend the first session unless alternative arrangements are made in advance.

Case cost estimates

These ranges are based on information provided by Parting Waters Mediation:

• Simpler cases: Less complex cases or matters with a limited number of issues typically range from $2,000–$3,500 per family.
• Complex cases: More complex cases, high-conflict families, or cases with many unresolved issues typically range from $3,500–$5,000 per family.

Actual costs depend on the complexity of the situation, the number of sessions needed, and how quickly agreements are reached.

Reduced-rate (low income) mediation

• Parting Waters Mediation works with a limited number of families at a reduced rate of $200 per hour.
• This reduced rate is available to families with a combined income under $80,000.
• To inquire about availability for reduced-rate mediation, clients are asked to contact the office at admin@partingwatersmediation.com.

Additional fees related to legal paperwork

• Preparation of legal papers: After mediation is completed and an agreement is signed, legal documents must be filed with the court. Attorney-mediator Kevin McHargue offers preparation and filing of these legal documents for a flat fee of $500.
• Court filing fee: Once legal paperwork is complete, the court filing fee is $301.
• Parent education class: Parents are required to complete a parent education class. The cost for this class is typically between $70 and $280 per parent, depending on the county.

Comparison to attorney fees

Parting Waters Mediation notes that:

• In mediation, clients work together and share the cost of a single mediator.
• In attorney-assisted negotiation or litigation, each person usually retains their own attorney, and both sets of attorney fees continue until the case is resolved by agreement or court order.

Initial appointment

• During the first hour, clients meet together with their mediator and review the basics of mediation.
• In that first hour, each client also meets individually with the mediator for about 15 minutes.
• At the end of the first hour, clients may choose to continue into the second hour, which begins the paid portion of the session.
• In the second hour, clients and the mediator:
• Discuss next steps
• Clarify homework items
• Build a comprehensive agenda for their work together

Collecting financial information

• The mediator asks questions about each client's assets and debts.
• Together, the mediator and clients identify which financial documents (statements, account records, etc.) need to be collected.
• Clients then upload those documents to the mediation portal so that all parties can review the same information.

Reflecting on co-parenting

• For cases involving children, clients are encouraged to reflect on parenting issues and decisions before and during mediation.
• A parenting issues and decisions worksheet is provided in the initial appointment to help parents think through what will work best for their children and co-parenting relationship.

Parent education class (Oregon requirement)

• In Oregon, parents who are separating or seeking custody must file a Parenting Plan with the court.
• Parents are also required to attend a parent education class.
• Certificates of completion from the parent education class must be filed with the rest of the court paperwork.

Continuing mediation sessions

• Clients meet with the mediator as many times as needed, depending on the complexity of the situation.
• Clients may consult with outside professionals (such as financial advisors, realtors, or therapists) and bring that expertise back into mediation.
• The mediator leads an interest-based negotiation process grounded in each person's values, priorities, and goals.
• After each session, the mediator posts summary notes and homework items to the client portal so everyone can track progress.

Final mediated agreement

• Once agreements have been reached, the mediator drafts a final mediated settlement agreement.
• Clients have multiple opportunities to review and edit this draft.
• The mediated settlement is not considered final until it is signed by all parties.
• If the parties are filing paperwork with the court, the signed mediated settlement is attached to the court paperwork.

Preparation and filing of legal paperwork

• Clients may choose to have Parting Waters Mediation prepare and file their legal documents, or they may have their own attorneys do so.
• Once the paperwork is filed, the case moves forward for court review.

Court judgment and QDROs (if applicable)

• A judge must approve the agreement before a divorce or parenting plan is finalized. Clients are notified once the judgment is signed and entered into the court record.
• If the parties have agreed to divide a retirement account or pension, they will need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) after the judgment is entered.
• QDROs must be prepared by a specialized attorney. The mediator helps facilitate this process by coordinating with the appropriate professional.

Office location

Parting Waters Mediation

• Address: 650 NE Holladay St, Suite 1600, Portland, OR 97232
• City/region served: Based in Portland, Oregon, serving families in and around the Portland area.

Office hours

• Regular hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Practice standards and inclusivity

• Parting Waters Mediation subscribes to the Core Standards of Mediation Practice set forth by the Oregon Mediation Association and the Model Standards of Practice for Family and Divorce Mediation set forth by the Association for Conflict Resolution.
• The practice welcomes all families regardless of race, color, country of origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation or ability.

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