STATEWIDE MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION SERVICES
Litigation is not always the best way to resolve legal disputes. There are alternative ways to end conflict and to solve problems where the process and the outcome are controlled by the parties instead of by the court system. We are trained and experienced mediators and arbitrators and travel statewide to resolve disputes in the following areas:

• Family Law
• Business
• Personal Injury
• Guardianships and Trusts

What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?
Mediation – A fair and effective way to resolve conflict which minimizes expensive legal proceedings. It is a confidential and private problem solving process in which the parties use a trained, neutral mediator to help them reach agreement between themselves in lieu of having a decree or judgment imposed on them. Each party may (and should) have his/her attorney participate in the mediation process. The mediator has no vested interest in either party or in the outcome of the dispute, nor the authority to impose a decision on the parties. Decisions are made by the parties; there are usually no technical rules of evidence; the procedure is informal and private. Substantial preparation, such as appraisals, accountings and valuations may be needed to effect a fair mediated agreement, but the nature and extent of that preparation may also be subject to agreement. A mediated agreement is an enforceable contract.

Arbitration – The arbitrator is an individual employed by the parties to act as a private judge. The arbitrator decides the outcome of the dispute. The cost is usually much less than litigation and the process is much more flexible and less cumbersome. The proceedings are private. The rules of evidence are as informal as the parties request. Depending on the wishes of the parties and the applicable law, or the controlling agreement, the award of the arbitrator may be legally binding.

Who we are
We practice law throughout the State of Nevada. We generally handle complex family law matters involving issues of tort, contract, real property, taxation, pension, bankruptcy, security, collection, trusts, jurisdiction, procedure, conflicts of law and the like. We work with a variety of professionals such as appraisers, accountants, physicians, psychologists, and business valuation experts. The State Bar of Nevada and the Washoe County Bar Association have honored us for our pro bono efforts.

Gary Silverman and Mary Anne Decaria have over sixty years combined experience in civil litigation, business law, personal injury, construction law and family law matters, and are highly experienced in resolving difficult and complex cases. Mike Kattelman is an experienced family law attorney, who has also successfully represented clients in wrongful death and professional negligence actions. Robert Cerceo received the 2006 Peacemaker of the Year award from the Mediators of Southern Nevada, in recognition of his problem solving skills. Both Mike and Bob are skillful problem solvers.

Gary R. Silverman was raised in Las Vegas. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nevada and his law degree from the University of Colorado. He served as an Assistant District Attorney for Washoe County and Humboldt County and as the City Attorney for the City of Winnemucca. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers. Mr. Silverman is listed in Best Lawyers in America and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubble. He trained in mediation at the highly regarded Center of Mediation in Law in Mill Valley, California. Mr. Silverman has been appointed Master/Arbitrator by the Second Judicial District Court and serves as private mediator upon request.

Mary Anne Decaria graduated from the University of Utah, magna cum laude and from Gonzaga University School of Law, cum laude. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She writes extensively on legal matters for the Writ and Nevada Lawyer bar publications. (You may view her articles at www.wcbar.org/publications.html and at www.nvbar.org/Publications.Publications.htm) Ms. Decaria serves as a mediator and arbitrator in family and civil litigation matters. Ms. Decaria is listed in Best Lawyers in America and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubble. She trained in mediation at the highly regarded Center of Mediation in Law in Mill Valley, California and through the University of Nevada Extension School.

Michael V. Kattelman graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, and from the University of the Pacific, magna cum laude. He serves as a director on the governing boards for the Washoe County Bar Association and the Family Law Executive Council, State Bar of Nevada. Following years of service in white collar crime prosecution, Mr. Kattelman served as a law clerk to the Honorable Scott Jordan of the Second Judicial District Court. Mr. Kattelman has over ten years of trial and litigation experience. He is a frequent lecturer on topics which include civil litigation, business management, and ethics. Mr. Kattelman is trained in mediation and has been appointed as a Master, Mediator and Arbitrator by the Second Judicial District Court.

Robert Cerceo received the 2006 Peacemaker of the Year award from the Mediators of Southern Nevada and brings a respectful approach to divorcing families with complex issues. Editor of the Nevada Family Law Report for the State Bar of Nevada, frequent lecturer for continuing legal education courses, and a former board member of the Family Court Mediation Program for Clark County, Mr. Cerceo remains actively involved in promoting and developing mediation efforts in Nevada. Mr. Cerceo holds a BA and JD from Rutgers University and is a member of the Nevada and American Bar Associations and their Family Law Sections.

Why choose alternative dispute resolution?
Speed, flexibility, privacy and decreased costs are the advantages of mediation and arbitration. We understand the dynamics of conflict and how to solve problems. Call us to discuss our approaches to mediation and arbitration and how we may assist you in resolving pending disputes.

Disclaimer
These materials have been prepared by Silverman, Decaria & Kattelman for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. No person should act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.