Lotus Services
Mediation Services via Zoom
At Lotus Law & Mediation, PLLC, all mediation sessions are conducted remotely via Zoom. This approach is designed to maximize convenience, reduce stress, and offer a safe, effective environment for resolving disputes.
Benefits of Zoom Mediation:
Greater Accessibility: Participate from the comfort of your own home or office; no travel, parking, or time away from other obligations.
Reduced Stress: For many, the physical distance Zoom allows helps reduce the emotional intensity that can sometimes accompany in-person sessions.
Flexible Scheduling: Without the need to coordinate physical meeting spaces, sessions can often be scheduled more quickly and at times that work better for both parties.
Private & Secure: Zoom offers secure, confidential meeting spaces. Breakout rooms also allow for private conversations with each party during sessions, just like in-person mediation.
Ideal for High-Conflict Situations: The virtual format can help reduce tension between parties, making it easier to focus on problem-solving and communication.
Whatever you’re navigating in mediation, Zoom mediation offers a modern, streamlined way to work toward resolution without sacrificing quality, professionalism, or personal attention.
Limited Assistance Representation (LAR) via Zoom
This process also works by leveraging video conferencing technology to provide flexible, targeted legal services to clients without requiring full, continuous in-person representation. In Massachusetts, LAR allows an attorney to handle specific parts of a case while the client remains responsible for other aspects. This is a highly efficient way to get legal help, especially in family law matters like divorce where some individuals may prefer to manage much of their case but need attorney assistance for key steps.
How LAR Works Over Zoom: An Explanation
The core principle of LAR remains the same whether conducted in person or remotely: a written agreement clearly defines my specific tasks and your responsibilities. Zoom simply facilitates the communication and collaboration needed to execute this agreement.
Here's a breakdown of how it typically works:
Initial Consultation (via Zoom):
As discussed, this initial meeting is individual. You'll meet with me via Zoom to discuss your legal issue, your goals, and what specific assistance you're seeking.
I will explain the LAR model in detail and determine if it's a good fit for your situation.
Defining the Scope of Representation (via Zoom & Email):
Based on your consultation, you and I will agree on the specific tasks I will perform.
This scope is formalized in a written LAR Agreement, which can be reviewed and signed electronically (e.g., via email for signatures or a secure e-signature platform).
Ongoing Communication & Collaboration (via Zoom & Other Tools):
Depending on the scope of our agreement, our engagement may be by:
Scheduled Zoom Meetings: where we may discuss strategy, review documents, prepare for court appearances, or get advice. Screen sharing on Zoom is invaluable for reviewing documents together in real-time.
Email & Phone: Communication outside of scheduled meetings will typically happen via email and phone calls.
Secure Document Sharing: Documents can be shared securely through email, cloud-based portals, or other encrypted services.
If the LAR agreement includes a court appearance, I would appear in person (or sometimes virtually if the court allows) for that specific event, while you would also be present (either in person or virtually as the rules permit).
LAR over Zoom provides accessibility, efficiency, and flexibility, making legal assistance more attainable for many individuals who might otherwise navigate complex legal processes entirely on their own.
Protecting Your Information: To ensure the security and confidentiality of your sensitive data, please refrain from sending any Personally Identifiable Information (PII), such as financial records, social security numbers, or other private details, until we have spoken directly. I will provide instructions for securely sharing any necessary information once we've established a working relationship.
Mediation versus Representation
I believe in mediation and the collaborative law process, so it is important to understand what that means in terms of my services. Mediation is a joint process, where Limited Assistance Representation is a individual process.
Mediation
For mediation clients, although I am an attorney, I will not be your attorney. I will not represent you or the person you wish to mediate with. Instead, I will serve as a neutral third party (more detailed here). If hired, both you and the person you are mediating with will sign a mediation agreement. The mediation agreement will detail things I will do for the parties if the parties so choose, which may include:
Offer details on dispute resolution processes, educate on available client resources, and supply legal information including references to relevant statutes and rules governing the related matter. I will not give you legal advice and will encourage both parties to seek independent legal counsel.
Provide education on effective communication techniques to assist in the mediation process.
Aid in identifying your goals.
Provide referrals to other professionals, such as financial or mental health professionals.
Draft of joint resolution Separation, Settlement, Pre or Postnup, or other legal agreements. Draft planning documents, such as an updated will.
Provide information related to the required documents and court procedures necessary to file the matter with the appropriate Court, and assist with preparing those documents.
Again, I will encourage both parties to have their own attorney participate in the mediation process and review all documents or agreements before the mediation process begins and/or during mediation.
Representation
For representation clients, I provide limited representation or limit the scope of our engagement. I will not do is litigate your case in court. So what does this really mean?
Sometimes, you just need a little guidance, not a start to finish legal battle in court. That's where my limited assistance representation, or LAR, comes in. It's a flexible way for me to help you navigate specific parts of your legal journey, especially when you're looking for a collaborative approach to resolving disputes. Think of me as your legal coach or a behind-the-scenes advisor, empowering you to stay in control and work cooperatively with the other party.
How Can I Support You in a Collaborative Way?
Here are some examples of how I may be able toassist:
Divorce Document Preparation (Uncontested): If you and your spouse are on the same page about your divorce, I can help you prepare all the necessary court documents. (Again I will only represent you and not your spouse). This can include your Joint Petition, Financial Statements, and your Separation Agreement, along with all the other required court forms. I'll even provide you with filing instructions and checklists to make the process smoother. What's not included? Court appearances or revisions after the court approves everything.
Drafting or Reviewing Agreements: Whether it's a Separation Agreement, a Premarital Agreement before you get married, or a Postmarital Agreement during your marriage, I can help. I'll review your existing document or help you draft a new one. We'll have a consultation to discuss the terms, potential risks, and my suggestions, and I can even provide an optional written summary. This is all about ensuring you understand the terms and can collaboratively reach a fair agreement.
Mediation Support / Behind-the-Scenes Coaching: If you're going through mediation, I can represent you during the mediation process. I'll offer coaching sessions to help you prepare your talking points, understand proposed terms, and navigate the discussions effectively. I can review any agreements and documents, as well as ensure you are prepared for submitted any documents to the court.
Limited Court Appearance (Single Motion or Hearing): Sometimes, a specific issue needs to go before the court, like a temporary orders hearing, a contempt issue, or a modification. In these cases, I can make a one-time appearance with you. This would include a prep call beforehand and drafting and filing the necessary motion or response. This is for focused court matters, not ongoing litigation. I will only provide this type of service in limited circumstances.
Financial Statement Preparation: Crafting a clear and accurate financial statement is crucial. I can help you gather all your income, expense, and debt information and then draft either a short or long-form financial statement for you. We'll review it together to ensure everything is accurate and complete.
Drafting or Responding to a Limited Scope Agreement or Letter: Need help putting together a parenting plan, a modification proposal, or a settlement letter? I can draft one for you or help you respond to one you've received. We'll have a consultation to discuss your goals and ensure the document reflects a collaborative approach.
Strategic Planning and Case Assessment: Before you even begin a collaborative process or mediation, we can have a consultation to discuss your overall situation, explore your options, and help you develop a strategic plan for moving forward. This is all about empowering you to make informed decisions and set yourself up for a successful collaborative outcome.
Reviewing and Explaining Settlement Proposals: When you're nearing a resolution, I can review settlement proposals from the other side, explain the legal implications, and help you understand how the proposed terms might impact your future. This way, you can confidently accept or propose revisions in a collaborative spirit.
These examples illustrate how I might be able to support you. If you're focused on resolving your legal matter without litigation, I can provide the focused assistance you need while keeping you in the driver's seat. This approach is ideal if you want to resolve your legal matters cooperatively and maintain some control over the outcome.
If you are unsure if about what services may work for you, contact us.
Premarital
Services may include mediation to include drafting and preparation of other related premarital agreements and documents; LAR related to behinds the scenes mediation support and review of draft agreements.
Divorce
Full range of mediation or LAR services as detailed above.
Representation
See LAR description above. Any representation agreement will detail the scope and limitations associated with representation.
Similar to premarital, services may include mediation to include drafting and preparation of other related postmarital agreements and documents; LAR related to behinds the scenes mediation support and review of draft agreements, and other LAR support detailed above.