Private, respectful resolution. No courtroom required
Legal disputes involving family are stressful enough without a drawn-out public courtroom battle. At Marple Smith Family Law, we help Atlanta families resolve divorce, custody, and support issues through mediation and arbitration. These proven alternatives to litigation offer more privacy, more control, and often, better outcomes.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful resolution or need a private process for a high-conflict case, we help you choose the approach that protects your rights and your peace of mind.
What is mediation and when is it a good fit?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where both parties work with a neutral third party to reach a mutual agreement. It's often used to resolve:
- Divorce and division of assets
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support or spousal support
- Modifications to existing orders
Our attorneys regularly represent clients in mediation, and we also serve as certified domestic relations mediators. We ensure you're fully prepared, clearly heard, and legally protected throughout the process.
Benefits of mediation:
- Confidential and private
- More affordable and efficient than court
- Customized agreements tailored to your needs
- Preserves relationships, which is especially important for co-parents
Mediation works best when both parties are open to compromise and communication. It is especially effective for parents who will continue co-parenting after divorce.
What is arbitration and when should you consider it?
Arbitration is a private process where both parties agree to let a neutral decision-maker resolve the dispute. It is more structured than mediation and results in a binding decision. Common issues resolved in arbitration include:
- Division of complex or high-value assets
- Business ownership and valuation disputes
- Spousal support disagreements
- Custody conflicts in high-conflict cases
Our partner JoAnna Smith is a trained family law arbitrator, and our team is experienced in both presenting and defending arbitration cases. For clients who want to avoid court but need a firm resolution, arbitration offers a faster and more private alternative with the same finality as a court order.
Why choose arbitration:
- Faster resolution than the court docket
- Greater control over scheduling and setting
- Enhanced privacy with no public filings
- Legally binding decisions you can enforce
In many cases, combining both approaches can be the smartest option. You can mediate the areas where agreement is possible and use arbitration to resolve the rest.
How Marple Smith Family Law supports your resolution
We guide clients through family law mediation and arbitration with a deep understanding of Georgia law, negotiation strategy, and family dynamics. Whether we’re representing you directly or serving as a neutral third party, our goal is to help you reach a resolution that protects your interests and sets the stage for a better future.
Our team helps clients:
- Prepare thoroughly for mediation and arbitration
- Negotiate or defend complex financial and parenting issues
- Resolve disputes privately and respectfully
- Avoid unnecessary litigation
- Move forward with clarity, security, and closure
Considering mediation or arbitration? We’re here to help you make the right choice for your situation.