Virginia S. Criste

Mediator

Virginia is an experienced family law litigator, holding a Board Certification in Family Law Trial Advocacy from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. She is a strong believer that mediation is almost always the best way to resolve family law disputes. She therefore brings to the mediation a strong background in family law to assist in a successful mediation. She graduated from Mt. Holyoke College and George Washington University School of Law. She has been admitted by examination to the Bar in four (4) states since 1977: District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California.

Mediation is an invaluable process and Virginia received her most in depth training through The Center for Mediation and Law – Understanding Conflict by Gary Friedman. Parties must participate together and generally share the cost. First, the parties are schooled in the actual legal process and the law that could be applied by the Courts to their situation. Then they are educated and encouraged to honor their personal preferences for the future not soley based on the law, and, to find a compromise that honors both parties' desires as much as practicable. Mediation is never a forced situation and is always voluntary. It is merely guided and encouraged.

If completed, Virginia can assist in having the agreement drawn up and submitted into the court process so the agreement becomes a part of the dissolution or legal separation without either party personally appearing in court. The process can address all dissolution issues such as child custody, child and spousal support, dividing assets, and valuing businesses. It can also voluntarily bring in other persons to give specialized advice such as child psychologists and forensic evaluators.

Virginia would be very happy to help you mediate. Feel free to call and schedule an initial paid consultation to discuss the process and your issues.