Mediation Services
Retired Judge Hammond provides experienced, principled mediation across a range of practice areas. Every engagement reflects the same commitment: a structured, respectful process that helps parties reach durable agreements outside of court.
Service Areas
Divorce & Family Law
Family law and divorce matters represent a significant part of Judge Hammond's mediation practice. She works with couples to address the wide range of issues that arise in separation and divorce. Judge Hammond brings experience in legal and financial analysis to each session, alongside a genuine understanding of the emotional dimensions that shape family disputes. During the mediation session, parties consider various options and make their own decisions on the outcomes. This brings some finality to a very difficult life experience and lets them move ahead.
Child Custody & Parenting Arrangements
Parenting disputes require particular care and sensitivity. Judge Hammond helps parents develop options for parenting schedules that are workable, child-centered, and built to hold up over time. During the transition from marriage to independence, both spouses can choose their own way forward without the expense and uncertainty of litigation.
Testamentary & Estate Disputes
Family disagreements over wills, trusts, and estates are among the most emotionally charged disputes Judge Hammond encounters. She brings specific courtroom experience to this work, having tried many such cases with and without a jury. She is familiar with the complications of estate administration and the duties of Executors and Trustees, and she has mediated numerous cases of this nature.
Business Disputes
Fifteen years practicing commercial litigation, plus sixteen years on the bench, produces expertise in contracts of every kind. Judge Hammond is familiar with business formation, sales, warranties, negotiable instruments, insurance, real estate, and banking. She has mediated disagreements among partners, break-ups (or “business divorces”), buy outs when shareholders leave, and valuation of ownership interests. As in family conflicts, business disputes often carry an emotional charge, which can affect negotiations. Mediation creates a neutral setting for hard decisions to be successfully decided.
How Mediation Works
Initial Consultation
1
Judge Hammond meets with the parties and/or their attorneys to understand the nature of the dispute, answer questions about the process, and establish a framework for sessions.
Mediation Sessions
2
Sessions are structured but flexible. Each party has the opportunity to speak, share concerns, and engage in guided negotiation with Judge Hammond's facilitation.
Agreement
3
When parties reach resolution, Judge Hammond helps document the terms clearly, producing an agreement that can be reviewed by each party's attorney before finalization.