Professional mediation across southern and western Montana. Faster, more private, and far less expensive than litigation. We come to you, or meet virtually. Free initial consultation.
Mention this website when you call and receive a free 30-minute consultation.
Mediation is a private, confidential process where a neutral third party helps two or more parties reach a voluntary agreement. We don't take sides, and we don't force settlements.
"If you need a decision imposed on you, you need a judge. If you want to find a solution that actually works for both sides, you want a mediator."
Litigation is sometimes necessary. It is rarely the best first option.
Mediation typically costs a fraction of full litigation. A divorce that costs $20,000+ in court can often be mediated for under $3,000 total.
Most mediated agreements are reached in a matter of weeks. Court cases routinely drag on for 12 to 24 months.
Court proceedings and records are public for anyone to find. Mediation happens behind closed doors and remains strictly confidential.
In a courtroom, a stranger in a robe decides your future. In mediation, you and the other party hold the pen.
Mediated agreements have far higher compliance rates than court orders, precisely because both parties helped build them.
Litigation destroys relationships. Mediation often preserves them — critical when co-parenting or running a business together.
Resolving property division, spousal support, and the financial structure of the split with dignity.
Designing visitation schedules, decision-making authority, and holiday plans that put children first.
Navigating sibling disputes over a parent's will, trust disagreements, and executor conflicts privately.
Handling buyouts, business dissolutions, and internal disagreements between owners without destroying the brand.
Settling disagreements over goods, services, or unpaid invoices between businesses efficiently.
Addressing employer-employee conflicts, severance negotiations, and internal grievances confidentially.
Mediating lease disagreements, property damage claims, and security deposit disputes.
Finding common ground on property lines, easements, livestock, noise, and community association rules.
We hold an initial call by phone or video. We listen to both sides separately or together — whatever is appropriate for the situation.
We confirm both parties are willing and agree on logistics (in-person, virtual, location, schedule). We send a simple agreement detailing confidentiality and fees, signed by all.
We meet — typically 2-4 hours per session. We discuss the issues, explore options, and negotiate. Most mediations resolve completely in 1 to 3 sessions.
When agreement is reached, we draft a written settlement memorializing the terms. Parties review and sign.
Parties take the signed agreement to their respective attorneys (if any) for final review and, if needed, submit it to the court for enforcement.
We move at your pace. There is no pressure to settle, only an opportunity to.
We travel to you, or host secure video sessions for parties in different cities. Convenience lowers the temperature.
Most disputes are easier to discuss outside of standard business hours. We offer evening and weekend sessions.
RJ is an active member of the Montana Bar. While acting as a neutral, he deeply understands the legal framework around what you are agreeing to.
You work directly with RJ throughout the entire process, not a rotating staff of junior associates or paralegals.
Montana law protects the absolute confidentiality of mediation sessions. Statements made during mediation generally cannot be introduced as evidence if you end up in court later.
"Mediation is one of the few legal processes designed around privacy. We take that seriously."
We discuss fees openly during the consultation. No surprises, no hourly mystery.
We believe in mediation, but it is not a cure-all. Mediation is generally not appropriate when:
"If mediation isn't right for your situation, we'll tell you on the consultation call. We don't take cases that don't belong in mediation."
We travel to parties or host secure virtual sessions across 30+ counties, including:
Fill out the form to schedule your free consultation. Your inquiry is completely confidential. We respond within one business day — usually much faster.