Mediator Resume

Highly experienced family mediator and attorney with over 25 years of experience resolving complex custody, co-parenting, and financial disputes. Proficient in handling high-conflict matters, nuanced parenting plan negotiations, grey divorce, and efficient pro se resolution. Known for designing clear, child-centered parenting plans, stabilizing escalated dynamics, and guiding parties toward durable, workable agreements through structured process design, reality-testing, and emotionally informed negotiation.

Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law - Owner and Founder

Attorney, Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, Parent Coordinator, Arbitrator

Founder, Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French Family Law, 2020 - Present; Partner, Ellis Funk, 2013 - 2020; Partner, Pachman Richardson LLC, 2006 - 2013; Associate, Weinstock & Scavo, 2002 - 2006.

Highly experienced matrimonial attorney and mediator, with more than 25 years of experience resolving complex divorce and family law matters. Over the course of career, has mediated the full range of family law matters, including custody (parenting time and decision-making authority), child support, college planning, spousal support, property division (assets and debts), business interests, real estate, and retirement allocation. Is frequently retained in cases described by counsel or parties as “stuck,” “high-conflict,” or unlikely to settle, and is known for resolving matters others believe to be unresolvable. Is also experienced in mediating complex financial matters, including grey divorce and pro se cases, where organization, pacing, and practical guidance are essential. Without providing legal advice, helps parties understand financial considerations and tradeoffs, facilitating agreements that are durable, future-focused, and workable in real life. Also trained as a Guardian ad Litem and Parent Coordinator.

Divorce & Family Mediation Over 25 years of experience mediating the full spectrum of divorce and family law matters in Georgia through a mediation practice. Regularly mediates cases involving child custody (parenting time and decision-making authority), child support, spousal support, property division, business interests, real estate, retirement assets, and post-secondary education planning. High-Conflict & “Unresolvable” Cases Frequently retained in high-conflict custody and co-parenting disputes, including matters described by parties or counsel as “stuck” or unlikely to settle. Known for resolving cases with repeated communication breakdowns, entrenched positions, and significant emotional escalation through structured preparation, reality-testing, and calm, directive process management. Court-Informed Mediation Approach. As a former judicial law clerk to Justice Jeffrey Sunshine and former family law litigator brings court-centered perspective to mediation, informed by observing trials, settlement conferences, and judicial decision-making from inside the courtroom and behind the bench. Uses this insight to help parties realistically assess risk, avoid outcomes courts routinely reject, and reach durable agreements without litigation. Represented & Pro Se Mediation Extensive experience mediating matters involving represented parties, mixed-representation cases, and fully pro se participants. Skilled in facilitating efficient, balanced mediation with or without attorneys present, ensuring procedural clarity, informed decision-making, and forward momentum toward resolution. Financial Mediation & Grey Divorce Experienced in mediating complex financial matters, including grey divorce, asset and debt division, spousal support, business interests, real estate, retirement allocation, and post-divorce financial planning issues. Facilitates clear, organized financial discussions without providing legal advice, supporting durable and workable settlement outcomes. Optional Virtual Mediation Practice Has the option to operate a fully virtual mediation practice, allowing parties to participate remotely while maintaining structure, efficiency, and engagement. Experienced in managing emotionally charged disputes in a virtual setting, using preparation, pacing, and process design to support productive dialogue and resolution. Advanced Mediation Techniques Utilizes reality-testing, structured pre-mediation preparation, emotionally informed conflict resolution, and process design to stabilize escalation, clarify priorities, and move cases toward settlement. Particularly effective in closing cases that have stalled in prior mediation or litigation efforts. Advanced training in mediation, negotiation, conflict psychology, child development, domestic violence, coercive control, Guardian ad Litem, Parent Coordination, and parenting plan design.

Complex Financial Matters: Equitable Distribution - Division of assets including real property, businesses, personal property (furniture, art, antiques, instruments), debt allocation and all other property related issues. Maintenance (alimony) Child Support: Navigate the balance of spousal maintenance and child support across cases a wide spectrum of cases and income sources. Child Custody and Parenting Time - Mediation of legal custody, parenting time schedules, and decision-making authority, including cases involving contested motions and imminent hearings. High-Conflict and “Stuck” Cases - Matters characterized by entrenched conflict, repeated communication breakdowns, pending motion practice, or cases headed toward court intervention, where mediation is used to avoid further litigation. Pre-Hearing and Motion-Driven Disputes - Mediation of issues raised in motion practice, often enabling parties to resolve disputes and eliminate the need for court hearings through negotiated agreement. Impasse Resolution and Reality-Testing - Breaking stalemates through structured preparation, court-informed reality-testing, and focused negotiation that helps parties reach resolution where prior mediation or litigation has failed. Attorney-Represented, Mixed-Representation, and Pro Se Matters - Effective mediation with or without counsel present, including cases involving unrepresented parties and time-sensitive disputes. Financial and Support-Related Disputes - Mediation of child support, spousal support, add-on expenses, post-secondary education costs, and financial issues raised through contested motions. Complex Divorce and Grey Divorce Matters - Resolution of parenting and financial disputes in long-term marriages, including property division, real estate, retirement assets, and future planning. Post-Judgment and Modification Issues - Mediation of disputes arising after judgment, including modifications to parenting plans, support, and enforcement issues, often avoiding renewed motion practice. Virtual Family Mediation - Fully remote mediation of parenting and financial matters, including cases involving geographically separated parties or active court calendars. Court-Informed Mediation Strategy - Drawing on prior judicial clerkship and litigation experience to help parties realistically assess risk, narrow disputed issues, and resolve matters before judicial determination becomes necessary.

Balanced Evaluative–Facilitative Approach Employs a pragmatic mediation style that blends evaluative insight with facilitative process management. Provides clear reality-testing and focused guidance when appropriate, while supporting party-driven decision-making to ensure durable, informed outcomes. Conducts Settlement Conferences as well as direct mediation with parties. Responsive to Client and Attorney Needs Highly responsive to the needs of both parties and counsel. Adapts structure, pacing, and level of directive input based on case complexity, emotional dynamics, and attorney requests, while maintaining neutrality and procedural fairness. No-Nonsense, Results-Oriented Practice Known for a no-nonsense, efficient approach that keeps cases moving forward. Sets clear expectations, manages escalation directly, and focuses mediation on resolution rather than prolonged positional debate. Clarity, Enforceability, and No Loose Ends Brings a strong understanding of what is required for agreements to be clear, unequivocal, and enforceable. Focuses on precise language and complete resolution of issues so that, if disagreement later arises, the agreement itself provides a clear and workable roadmap—minimizing ambiguity, preventing future disputes, and reducing the likelihood of return to court. Court-Informed Reality-Testing Draws on prior judicial clerkship and litigation experience to help parties realistically assess risk, understand how courts interpret agreements, and avoid outcomes courts routinely reject. Durable Agreements with Low Return-to-Court Rates Prioritizes agreements that are not only acceptable in the moment, but sustainable over time. Emphasizes practical implementation, accountability, and clarity to reduce post-mediation conflict and repeat litigation. Comfortable with Counsel and Pro Se Participants Works effectively in attorney-represented, mixed-representation, and fully pro se matters. Adjusts communication style to ensure understanding, efficiency, and informed participation without providing legal advice. Flexible, Virtual Mediation Practice Offers fully virtual mediation and accommodates time-sensitive matters, motion-driven disputes, and cases requiring expedited resolution. Brings a sophisticated understanding of how mediated agreements function in real-world legal and family systems. Emphasizes precision in issue definition, sequencing, and drafting so that agreements are comprehensive, internally consistent, and capable of enforcement if necessary. Avoids vague language, unresolved contingencies, and aspirational terms that often lead to future disputes or renewed litigation. Skilled at managing cases where parties have very different levels of sophistication, emotional readiness, or access to legal support. Uses structured agendas, clear framing of issues, and transparent process explanations to ensure all participants understand the decisions being made and the implications of those decisions, while preserving mediator neutrality. Particularly effective in mediations involving pending motions, threatened hearings, or litigation fatigue. Understands how to align mediation outcomes with court expectations, procedural requirements, and statutory frameworks, allowing parties to resolve disputes before judicial intervention becomes necessary. Frequently assists parties in resolving motion-driven issues through negotiated agreements that eliminate the need for hearings. Balances efficiency with care, recognizing when matters require firm guidance to move forward and when parties need space to reach their own conclusions. Maintains momentum without rushing decisions, and prioritizes informed consent, clarity, and follow-through. Comfortable working with emotionally charged dynamics, including anger, fear, and distrust, while keeping mediation focused on resolution.

Highly proficient in the use of technology to support efficient, secure, and effective virtual family mediation. Experienced in managing complex, emotionally charged mediations in fully remote environments while maintaining structure, engagement, and procedural fairness. Virtual Mediation Platforms Extensive experience conducting mediations via Zoom, including use of breakout rooms, screen sharing, document review, and real-time collaboration. Skilled at managing virtual dynamics, confidentiality, pacing, and participant engagement. Case Management & Legal Practice Platforms Proficient in MyCase and Clio for case organization, scheduling, document management, client communication, and workflow efficiency. Uses technology to streamline preparation and reduce administrative friction for both clients and counsel. Document Review & Agreement Preparation Experienced in digital document exchange, collaborative review, and version control using secure cloud-based tools, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office applications. Focuses on clarity, precision, and consistency in mediated agreements. Secure Communication & Data Management Knowledgeable about confidentiality, privacy, and ethical considerations in virtual mediation. Uses best practices to protect sensitive client information and maintain compliance with professional standards. Technology-Enabled Access to Justice Experienced in leveraging technology to expand access to mediation services for geographically dispersed parties, time-sensitive matters, and pro se participants, while maintaining quality, neutrality, and effectiveness.

Emory Law (J.D.); University of Florida (B.A., Valedictorian).

Admitted to the Bar: Georgia; Georgia Court of Appeals; Supreme Court of Georgia; Florida State Courts; U.S. District Court: Northern District of Georgia.

State Bar of Georgia, Family Law Section; State Bar of Florida; American Bar Association, Family Law Section; Cobb County Bar Association, Family Law Section; Atlanta Bar Association, Family Law Section; Weltner Inn of Court, Membership Chair of the Executive Committee.

Hourly Rate: $400.00 Daily Rate: Not provided Study Rate: $400.00/hr Cancellation: $400.00/Day Cancellation Period: 1 Days Comment:

English

United States of America

Atlanta, Georgia