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 and Arizona 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.
Meet John Laubach
John has practiced family law since 1987 and has tried family cases in four Arizona superior courts. He is licensed to practice law in Arizona and certified by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office as a domestic and civil mediator.
He was born in Frankfort, where his family has lived for four generations, and he runs Empowered Mediation from there. He meets with people in person in northwest Michigan and by secure video anywhere in Michigan or Arizona.
Not sure whether mediation fits your situation? One short call will tell you.
Recent Articles
All articles
One Parent in Arizona, One in Michigan: How Remote Mediation Works for Families Split Across States
Which state decides custody, the relocation rules in each state, long-distance parenting plans, and how a remote mediation reaches a binding agreement.
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Divorce Mediation in Northwest Michigan: Your Options in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee Counties
Friend of the Court, the community mediation centers and MI-Resolve, and private mediation under MCR 3.216, compared.
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John Laubach and Empowered Mediation: Remote Family and Civil Mediation in Arizona and Michigan
Credentials, experience since 1987, the kinds of disputes John mediates, and how remote sessions work.
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