 | Firm Overview
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Mediation and Arbitration Services
| G. Scott Benker, Esq., P.E. Telephone: (559) 735-0708 Commercial Mediation Panels: Kings County Superior Court Tulare County Superior Court |
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"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often the real loser in fees, expenses, and waste of time." - Abraham Lincoln
"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court." - NIV: Matt 5:25
Confidential * Economical * Civilized
Mediation is an economical and civilized way to resolve disputes. With the assistance of a mediator, parties communicate, negotiate and settle their cases. This alternative dispute resolution process is confidential and only the final written settlement agreement is binding.
Mr. Benker provides professional service in a friendly and informal atmosphere. He has successfully mediated financial/emotion-charged cases since 1997. He has subject matter expertise in business, construction, employment, family law and real property cases.
Mr. Benker has completed formal mediation training through Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, Pepperdine School of Law; Lawyer's Mutual Insurance Company and various State Bar of California mediation programs.
In addition, Mr. Benker is a licensed civil engineer with public works construction experience.
COMMERCIAL MEDIATION FEES
Mediation and Arbitration Services
Mediation services are billed at $250 per hour. Full day flat fee rates are available. Comfortable conference rooms, a flat screen TV and Internet access are available.
Payment is due upon confirmation of reserved dates. Travel time is not charged unless expressly stated and agreed to by the parties.
Deposits, less a $100 administrative fee, will be refunded if the matter is settled or continued. Notice of cancellation or continuance is expected at least 20 days before the first scheduled session. Otherwise, a refund will be made only to the extent that other matters are scheduled and heard within the reserved time.
Mediation briefs are extremely helpful and should be received at least 5 days before the first scheduled session. Briefs may be exchanged or kept confidential, at counsel's option. Briefs should include a settlement discussion history; description of potential barriers to settlement; your opinion of the other side's view of a fair outcome and any information to help the mediator understand your client's perspective of the case.
It is imperative the parties in attendance have settlement authority. Please advise the mediator in advance of the first session if settlement authority is an issue.
Mr. Benker may speak to counsel by telephone before the first mediation session. The purpose is to resolve procedural issues. Each conversation is considered a separate caucus subject to statutory and ethical confidentiality rules. Unless authorized, each conversation will not be revealed to other counsel.
Divorce Agreement Assistance
A mediation orientation provides the parties with an introduction to mediation before committing to the mediation process. A 45-minute orientation is charged at a flat fee of $30.00. Please call for a free brochure.
A prepaid, non-refundable flat fee of $1,250 includes up to 3 hours of mediation sessions, notary fees and the preparation of the following paperwork: Summons; Petition for Dissolution of Marriage; Proof of Service for Summons and Petition; Response; Proof of Service of Response; Petitioner and Respondent’s UCCJEA; Petitioner and Respondent’s Income and Expense Declarations; Petitioner and Respondent’s Schedule of Assets & Debts; Petitioner and Respondent’s Preliminary and Final Declaration of Disclosure; Petitioner and Respondent’s Declarations for Service of Final Declarations of Disclosure; Appearance, Stipulation and Waivers; Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution; Marital Termination Agreement; Judgment; Notice of Entry of Judgment; and Petitioner and Respondent’s Child Support Case Registry Forms.
Parties pay their own court filing fees. Alternate fee arrangements are available. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
Price is subject to change without notice.
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