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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.
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