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JUDY E. BREGMAN, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR
EXPERIENCED AND ACCESSIBLE
JUDY E. BREGMAN
I have recently retired from the part of my law practice where I represented individual clients. The one exception is civil appeals, where I will still have a role as an advocate in the litigation. I will also continue to consult with individuals who are not seeking active representation, but only advice. Otherwise, I intend to shift my focus to being a mediator and arbitrator, a role that requires neutrality.
The focus of my practice is domestic relations or family law. This is a broad category featuring a number of distinct but related subjects, including divorce and separate maintenance, child custody, parenting time, child support, and property division.


MEDIATION
Mediation is an increasingly Court-required alternative dispute resolution process. It occurs before trial, and involves the parties, their attorneys (if represented), and a mediator. The mediator is usually a lawyer. The mediator is either agreed upon by the parties, or in the absence of such agreement, appointed by the Court.
Mediation is intended to settle as many issues in a case as possible, in a more informal and time-effective way. Any issues the parties can settle are put in a written, binding mediation agreement. Anything else-including issues discussed but not settled-are confidential between the parties to the mediation.
The mediator’s fee is usually shared by the Parties.
ARBITRATION
Arbitration by the agreement of the parties substitutes for a trial in Court. An arbitrator is a lawyer who serves as a private judge for the parties in their case. The arbitrator hears testimony under oath, receives exhibits and other evidence, and the oral and written arguments of the parties. The proceedings are recorded, and the Rules of Evidence apply. The arbitrator issues a written opinion that is treated as if it was a court decision after a trial. Usually, a decision by an arbitrator, unlike that of a judge, is not appealable.
The arbitrator’s fee is the responsibility of the parties.


CONSULTATION
What many people seek is a disinterested review of what they are facing from a legal perspective. When I say disinterested, I do not mean uninterested; a disinterested view is one not colored or influenced by personal, financial, or other factors. I have advised many people in the years of my practice who did not necessarily need court representation, but did need help in navigating a complicated situation. What these people needed was a careful analysis of the facts involved, which often suggests a good course of action forward.
I provide consultation services at a reduced hourly fee.