An Attorney Who Believes in Empowering People to Find Their Own Solutions
John Laubach is a seasoned attorney and certified mediator with nearly four decades of experience in family law. After building a distinguished legal career in Arizona—representing clients in complex divorce, custody, and property matters—John returned to his hometown of Frankfort, Michigan, to establish Empowered Mediation.
A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and a fourth-generation Benzie County resident, John holds both 48-hour Domestic Mediator and 40-hour Civil Mediator certifications from the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. His approach combines deep legal knowledge with a genuine commitment to helping people resolve disputes with dignity.
John's philosophy is simple: the best agreements are the ones you create yourselves. Mediation puts the power back in your hands.
A Better Way to Resolve Disputes
Mediation offers a private, efficient, and empowering alternative to courtroom litigation. Here's why families and businesses throughout Michigan choose mediation.
Significantly Lower Cost
Mediation typically costs a fraction of litigation. By avoiding prolonged court battles, you keep more of your resources for rebuilding your future.
Faster Resolution
While court cases can drag on for months or years, mediation sessions can resolve issues in days or weeks, allowing everyone to move forward sooner.
Complete Confidentiality
Unlike court proceedings, which are public record, mediation is entirely confidential. Your family's private matters stay private.
You Stay in Control
In mediation, you and the other party craft the agreement—not a judge. Solutions are tailored to your family's unique needs and circumstances.
Preserves Relationships
Especially important in family disputes, mediation reduces hostility and encourages cooperation—essential when co-parenting continues after divorce.
Higher Compliance Rates
People are far more likely to follow through on agreements they helped create, resulting in fewer post-decree enforcement actions.
Comprehensive Dispute Resolution
Empowered Mediation provides certified mediation services across a wide range of family law and civil matters.
Divorce Mediation
Navigate the complexities of divorce with a structured, respectful process that addresses every aspect of your separation.
- Asset & debt division
- Community property
- Spousal support
- Retirement division
- Business valuations
- Tax considerations
Custody & Parenting Mediation
Create parenting plans that put your children first. Mediation helps parents build cooperative arrangements focused on what matters most.
- Custody arrangements
- Parenting time schedules
- Relocation disputes
- Child support
- Holiday & vacation planning
- Communication protocols
Post-Decree Mediation
Life changes. When existing court orders need modification, mediation provides an efficient path to updated agreements.
- Modification of custody
- Parenting time changes
- Support modifications
- Enforcement issues
Civil & Contract Mediation
Business and civil disputes can be resolved without costly litigation. Bring your contract or civil matter to the table.
- Contract disputes
- Business disagreements
- Property disputes
- Trust & estate matters
The Mediation Process
From first call to final agreement, every step is designed to be transparent, respectful, and productive.
Initial Consultation
We discuss your situation, explain the mediation process, answer your questions, and determine if mediation is appropriate for your case.
Preparation
Both parties gather relevant documents and information. John reviews the materials to understand the key issues and structure an effective session.
Mediation Sessions
In a neutral, comfortable setting, both parties work together with John's guidance to identify interests, explore options, and negotiate solutions.
Written Agreement
Once terms are agreed upon, a comprehensive written agreement is prepared for review by each party's attorney before signing and court filing.
The best resolution is one you create yourself. Mediation empowers you to shape your own future rather than leaving your fate in a stranger's hands.
— John Laubach, Attorney & Mediator
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about mediation and the process at Empowered Mediation.
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party—the mediator—helps disputing parties communicate and reach their own agreement. Unlike court litigation, where a judge makes decisions for you, mediation keeps you in control of the outcome. It is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than going to court, and it helps preserve relationships that might be damaged by courtroom battles.
While you are not required to have an attorney, it is strongly recommended that each party consult with their own lawyer. The mediator is neutral and cannot give legal advice to either side. Your attorney can advise you on your rights, review the mediation agreement before you sign, and ensure the final document protects your interests.
The duration depends on the complexity of your case. Simple disputes may resolve in a single session of 2–4 hours. More complex family law matters involving custody, property division, and financial issues may require multiple sessions over several weeks. Even in complex cases, mediation typically resolves far faster than traditional litigation, which can take many months or even years.
Yes. Under Michigan law, mediation communications are confidential and generally cannot be disclosed in court proceedings. This encourages open, honest dialogue and helps parties speak freely about their interests and concerns without fear that their words will be used against them later.
Mediation is voluntary, and either party can end the process at any time. If you are unable to reach a full agreement, you still retain all your rights to pursue the matter in court. Often, even partial agreements in mediation narrow the issues that need to be litigated, saving time and money.
Once both parties sign a written mediation agreement, it becomes a legally enforceable contract. In family law cases, the agreement can be submitted to the court and incorporated into a court order, giving it the full force of law. This is why it is important to have your own attorney review the agreement before signing.
Mediation may not be appropriate in every case involving domestic violence. However, with proper safeguards—such as shuttle mediation (where parties are in separate rooms), having attorneys or support persons present, and safety planning—it can sometimes be an option. This is carefully evaluated during the initial consultation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all parties.
Empowered Mediation is based in Frankfort, Michigan, and serves clients throughout Northwest Michigan, including Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Wexford, Kalkaska, and Missaukee counties. Remote mediation sessions are also available via secure video conference for clients who cannot meet in person.
Serving Northwest Michigan
In-person mediation in Frankfort and throughout the region. Remote sessions available statewide.
Schedule Your Consultation
Take the first step toward resolution. Contact Empowered Mediation today to discuss your situation in confidence.
Contact Information
Whether you are facing a divorce, a custody dispute, or a civil matter, John Laubach is here to help you find a path forward. Reach out for a confidential consultation.
Evening & weekend appointments available