Before You Litigate, Mediate: A Better Way to Resolve Legal Disputes
Legal disputes are difficult. They cost money. They consume time. They create stress. And perhaps worst of all, litigation can deepen divisions between people who once had meaningful relationships—spouses, parents, siblings, family members, business partners, friends, neighbors, and even fellow Christians.
At Keist Thurston Law Firm, we litigate cases. We are trial lawyers. We know how to go to court, and sometimes litigation is necessary. But after handling thousands of legal matters, we have also seen firsthand what litigation can cost our clients financially, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. That is why we believe that, whenever reasonably possible, mediation should come before litigation.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps the parties identify their disagreements, understand their options, and work toward a voluntary resolution. The mediator does not decide who wins or loses. Instead, the parties retain control over the outcome. That distinction is important. When you litigate, you ultimately ask a judge—someone who does not know you, your family, your business, or your history—to make decisions that may profoundly affect your life.
In mediation, you make those decisions. You may not get everything you want. Neither will the other side. Successful mediation requires compromise. But the final agreement belongs to the parties rather than being imposed upon them by the court.
Mediation Can Save Enormous Time and Expense
Litigation can take months or even years. Attorney’s fees, discovery costs, expert witnesses, depositions, motions, hearings, and trial preparation can quickly turn a relatively manageable disagreement into an extraordinarily expensive one. Sometimes the difference in costs is six figures. Mediation offers another path.
At KT Law Firm, our standard mediation rates are:
- Half-day mediation: $1,600 total — typically $800 per party.
- Full-day mediation: $3,000 total — typically $1,500 per party.
- For dissolution matters in which you want us to assist with drafting and filing the final documents, half-day mediation is $2,700 total and full-day mediation is $5,000 total.
These standard rates generally apply to matters involving a limited number of disputed issues or cases where attorneys representing the parties will prepare the final documents. Complex civil matters may require different arrangements. Where mediation requires travel greater than 100 miles for the mediator, travel and accommodation costs are additional unless virtual mediation is agreed upon. We are willing to mediate disputes in all 50 states. Whether you are in Alabama, New Hampshire, or Washington, please schedule a mediation consultation to consider if mediation is right for your situation. Our goal is simple: resolve in hours or days what might otherwise take months or years; resolve for thousands what might otherwise cost tens of thousands.
For Christians, There Is Another Reason to Mediate
For Christians, mediation is about more than saving money. It is about peacemaking.
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus taught: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Scripture repeatedly encourages believers to pursue peace, reconciliation, wisdom, and resolution of disputes rather than unnecessarily escalating conflict. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6 are particularly challenging. He questioned why disputes among believers were being placed before secular courts rather than being resolved with the help of wise people within the Christian community.
That does not mean Christians can never appropriately use the judicial system. There are circumstances where courts are necessary to protect rights, enforce obligations, obtain emergency relief, or address a party who simply refuses to act reasonably. But litigation should not automatically be the believers first response. Romans 12:18 gives us a helpful principle: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Sometimes peace is not possible. Sometimes the other person will not cooperate. But “so far as it depends on you”, is each individual Christian’s affirmative obligation to attempt an amicable and peaceable solution. Mediation provides opportunity for biblical obedience.
You Can Pursue Justice Without Abandoning Peace
Peacemaking does not mean surrendering everything that matters to you. It does not require pretending that wrongdoing did not occur. It does not mean that every position is equally reasonable. And it does not mean accepting an agreement that you believe is fundamentally unjust. Good mediation allows both sides to be heard. It identifies the issues that truly matter. It separates legal questions from emotional ones. And it helps the parties explore solutions that a court may never have the ability to order. With the help of our skilled mediators, we often identify solutions that were not considered. The objective is not peace at any price. It is to pursue a fair and just resolution with as little unnecessary conflict and cost as possible.
At KT Law Firm, we approach that work in dependence upon the Prince of Peace. Before You Spend Thousands Fighting, Give Mediation a Try. We believe in mediation so strongly that we want to remove some of the financial risk of trying it. We are confident that we can help parties meaningfully work toward resolving their disputes. That is why KT Law Firm is offering a Money-Back Mediation Guarantee. If you participate in a qualifying KT mediation in good faith and we are unable to help you reach a settlement, we will refund your mediation fee, subject to the terms of our Money-Back Mediation Guarantee. Why would a law firm make that offer? Because we would rather help you resolve your dispute than prolong it.
We cannot guarantee that another person will be reasonable. We cannot guarantee that every dispute can be settled. And we will never pressure someone into an agreement simply so we can say the mediation was successful. What we can promise is that we will work hard to understand the dispute, identify potential solutions, and help both sides determine whether there is a reasonable path to resolution. Before committing yourself to months or years of litigation, give us a day. Before you litigate, mediate. Give KT Mediation a Try
Whether your dispute involves divorce or family law, a business disagreement, a contract, an estate or probate matter, or another civil dispute, we would welcome the opportunity to help.
Half-Day Mediation: $1,600 total
Full-Day Mediation: $3,000 total
For qualifying dissolution matters where KT assists with final documents:
Half-Day Mediation + Documents: $2,700 total
Full-Day Mediation + Documents: $5,000 total
Call (623) 937-888, email our receptionist at ally@ktolawfirm.com, or book a mediation online.
Give us a day before you give your dispute to a judge.
Standard mediation pricing and the Money-Back Mediation Guarantee are subject to eligibility requirements and written terms. Complex civil matters and matters requiring substantial preparation, drafting, discovery, expert involvement, or other services may require different pricing and/or multiple days. Travel further than 100 miles will require additional costs for travel and/or accommodations. No particular settlement or legal outcome can be guaranteed.