Mediation Services
Resolution Without the Courtroom.
In the sport of boxing, there’s a reason they say: never leave it in the judges’ hands. The same principle applies to all disputes. Mediation gives you the opportunity to control the outcome before someone else, such as a judge or jury, controls it for you. It’s confidential, efficient, and built around a simple idea: create your own resolution—or risk having one imposed on you.
A better way to resolve conflict
Litigation is adversarial by design. It creates winners and losers, drains resources, and often leaves both parties worse off than when they started. Mediation works differently.
As a neutral third party, Derek Wagley guides both sides through a structured dialogue aimed at finding common ground. The process is confidential, voluntary, and — when it works — far more durable than a court-imposed outcome, because both parties had a hand in shaping it.
Wagley Law's mediation practice draws on more than two decades of experience, including a litigation background that gives Derek a clear-eyed view of how disputes escalate and what it takes to resolve them.
How it works
Initial consultation
We begin with a confidential conversation to understand the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and whether mediation is the right fit.
Joint sessions
Both parties meet with Derek in a structured setting, this can be either in person or via Zoom. Ground rules are established, each side is heard fully, and the conversation is guided toward areas of potential agreement.
Private caucuses
When needed, Derek meets separately with each party to explore concerns that are difficult to raise in a joint setting — and to test potential solutions.
Written agreement
When agreement is reached, the terms are documented in a written memorandum. Parties may then have independent counsel review and formalize the agreement.
Areas of practice
Divorce & separation
Asset division, spousal support, parenting plans, and co-parenting arrangements — resolved collaboratively rather than through contested proceedings.
Family disputes
Inheritance disagreements, elder care decisions, and intra-family business conflicts handled with sensitivity to the relationships at stake.
Business & partnership
Partner disputes, contract disagreements, and business dissolution matters resolved efficiently and confidentially.
Neighbor & property
Boundary disputes, unlawful detainer matters, easement conflicts, and HOA disagreements resolved without the cost and delay of litigation.
I was dreading the mediation process, but it turned out to be the most constructive conversation my former partner and I had in years. The outcome was fair, and we both left with our dignity intact.
Ready to explore mediation?
A confidential consultation is the first step. We'll discuss your situation, answer your questions, and help you decide whether mediation is the right path forward.