Family Law Mediation Attorneys in Northern Kentucky
A Calmer Path Forward For Your Family
Ending a marriage or changing a custody arrangement is hard enough without adding a lengthy court fight. If you are looking for a way to resolve divorce or parenting issues with less conflict, working with a family law mediation attorney in Northern Kentucky can give you another path forward. Mediation allows you to keep more control over the outcome, protect your children from unnecessary tension, and move on with more clarity.
At Schaffner Family Law & Mediation, we focus on helping families across Northern Kentucky resolve disputes through mediation and other settlement-focused processes. Our boutique, all-female family law firm pairs real strength at the negotiating table with a culture that is accepting, kind, and honest. Led by attorney Tasha K. Schaffner, who has been practicing family law in Kentucky since 2004, we guide clients through major life changes with preparation and integrity.
Several of our attorneys are certified to conduct private domestic relations mediations in Kentucky and have completed formal collaborative law training. We bring that dispute resolution focus into every mediation, so you are not just signing papers; you are building agreements that are informed by years of experience with how Kenton, Campbell, and Boone County family courts review these issues.
If you are considering divorce or custody mediation in Northern Kentucky, schedule a consultation online or call (859) 577-7552 to speak with a family law mediation lawyer.
Why Choose Mediation With Our Firm
Many people come to us after hearing difficult stories about litigated divorce or custody battles in the Kenton Family Court or Campbell Family Court. Mediation can look very different. Instead of positioning you as opponents in a public hearing, it brings you to the table to work through decisions in a private setting with a trained neutral guiding the discussion. For many families, this lowers stress, preserves more of the parenting relationship, and often costs less than a fully contested case.
When you work with our team, you are not just hiring someone who offers mediation occasionally. Our attorneys have built careers in family law, including precedent-setting work in the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the Kentucky Supreme Court. That background means we understand how judges in the Northern Kentucky courts tend to view custody, support, and property issues, and we use that insight to help you create practical, durable agreements.
We also know that the tone of a mediation matters. Our office in Crestview Hills is staffed by seven women who balance grit with genuine care. Clients often tell us they feel both protected and heard, which is exactly what you need when emotions are high but you still want to make thoughtful decisions. We come to each session prepared, with a clear understanding of your goals and concerns, and we are honest with you about risks, trade-offs, and what the law allows.
Our firm is intentionally low volume. We limit the number of active matters so that each mediation receives careful attention. That means your parenting plan, property settlement, or support agreement is not rushed through. It is reviewed, refined, and checked for the kinds of details that can help prevent future disputes, such as holiday schedules, decision-making authority, and how to handle changes in income or children’s needs.
How Family Law Mediation Works Here
One of the most common concerns we hear is, “I have no idea what mediation actually looks like.” Knowing the steps can make the process feel less intimidating. Our goal is to walk you through each phase so you can focus on making decisions rather than worrying about what comes next.
Most cases begin with an initial consultation, either in person at our Crestview Hills office or virtually. During that meeting, we listen to your situation, explain how mediation works in Kentucky family law matters, and discuss whether it is a good fit for your specific circumstances. If both parties decide to move forward, we will help set expectations about timing, information gathering, and who will participate in the sessions.
Mediation sessions typically take place in our office or through secure video. As certified private domestic relations mediators, we guide the conversation around key topics such as parenting time, legal custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and division of property and debts. In some moments, you may meet together in one room, and in others, we may speak with each of you separately to work through difficult issues in a more comfortable way.
During these conversations, we keep the focus on your children’s needs and your long-term stability. We help you explore different options, reality check what is workable, and understand how Kentucky law frames questions like the best interests of the child or equitable division of marital assets. If you also have your own family law mediation lawyer in Northern Kentucky advising you separately, we encourage you to discuss the drafted terms with that attorney so you feel confident before signing anything.
Once agreements are reached, our team drafts detailed written documents that reflect what you have decided. We take care to address practical matters such as school breaks, transportation, extracurricular activities, and methods for resolving future disagreements. After everyone has had a chance to review and request changes, final documents are signed and filed with the appropriate court, which is often the family court in Kenton County, Campbell County, or Boone County, depending on where your case is pending.
To make this process easier, we use a secure client portal for sharing documents and updates, and we offer virtual mediation sessions when one or both parties live outside the region or have demanding work schedules. Our goal is to reduce the friction around logistics so you can concentrate on the decisions that matter most.
When Mediation Fits Your Family Law Case
Mediation can be a powerful tool, but it is not right for every family. Part of our commitment to integrity is being candid about when this process is likely to help and when another approach may be better. During our first conversations, we help you evaluate whether mediation is a realistic option for your situation.
For many couples, mediation works well when both people are willing to share information, listen to guidance, and focus on long-term solutions. This often includes parents who want to maintain a workable co-parenting relationship after divorce, spouses who have already agreed on some issues and need help resolving the rest, or former partners who would like to avoid further hearings in Boone County or another local court if possible.
We also mediate more complex cases, such as divorces involving family businesses, significant retirement accounts, or unique financial questions connected to military service. Our team understands the Uniformed Services Former Spouses' Protection Act and the 20/20/20 rule, which often come into play when dividing military pensions and benefits. For families with ties to both Kentucky and Ohio, our experience practicing across the river helps us identify jurisdiction and enforcement issues that should be addressed in your mediated agreements.
At the same time, there are situations where a traditional court process or strong courtroom advocacy may be safer or more effective. If there are serious concerns about domestic violence, substance abuse, or extreme power imbalances, we discuss those realities openly. We will not push mediation just to avoid conflict if it could put your safety or your children’s well-being at risk. In those cases, it can be reassuring to know that our attorneys are also known for being strong litigators, so you do not have to choose between a firm capable of mediation and a firm capable of standing up for you in court.
Our Detail-Driven Mediation Approach
However you arrive at our office in Crestview Hills, we understand that you are trusting us with your family’s future. We take that responsibility seriously. Our approach to family law mediation combines careful preparation, clear communication, and a long-term view of your life after the case is finished.
Before and between sessions, we work with you to gather financial information, understand your children’s routines and needs, and identify any non-negotiable concerns you may have. This level of preparation helps the conversations in mediation stay focused and productive. It also allows us to draft agreements that reflect your real life, not just generic language pulled from a form.
Our paralegal team plays a key role in this process. They help track deadlines, coordinate documents, and keep you updated about each step. When you call with questions or need to talk through a new development, there is someone ready to listen and respond. Clients often describe them as anchors during a time that can feel uncertain and overwhelming.
For couples who have already worked out most of their terms, our streamlined, flat-fee style option can be a good fit. In those matters, we focus on turning your agreed terms into a clear, legally enforceable set of documents that the family court can review. We do not cut corners in that review. Our attorneys go through each provision carefully to help reduce the chance of confusion or conflict later on.
We also stay connected after your case is closed. One simple example is our tradition of sending Valentine’s chocolates to past divorce clients. It is a small gesture, but it reflects how we view our relationship with you. We are not just here for the paperwork. We want you to feel supported as you build a new chapter, long after the last forms are filed in the Northern Kentucky courts.
Next Steps To Start Mediation
If you are considering mediation, you do not have to have everything figured out before you contact us. Your first step is simply to sit down with our team, share what is happening in your family, and learn more about whether this process can meet your needs. We will talk through the options, including mediation, collaborative approaches, and, when necessary, more traditional litigation.
During an initial meeting, we typically discuss your goals, any upcoming court dates in Kenton, Campbell, or Boone County, what information you already have, and what you are most worried about. You can expect straightforward feedback about what mediation might look like in your case and what other paths may exist. Our role is not to pressure you. It is to give you the information and support you need to make sound decisions.
Whether you are just beginning to think about divorce or you are already in a pending case, you can reach out to us to talk about how a family law mediation attorney in Northern Kentucky can fit into your next steps. We strive to make scheduling simple, and we offer both in-person and virtual consultations so you can choose what works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if mediation is right for my case?
Mediation can work well when both people are willing to share information and focus on solutions. During an initial consultation, we discuss your concerns, safety issues, and communication patterns, then give honest feedback about whether mediation is realistic or whether another process may better protect you and your children.
Will I still need my own attorney during mediation?
You are allowed to have your own attorney during mediation, and many people find it helpful. As mediators, we remain neutral, so separate counsel can advise you on strategy and review proposed terms. We explain how these roles interact so you can decide what level of legal support feels right.
What does family law mediation usually cost?
Mediation generally costs less than a fully contested trial, but the exact amount depends on how many sessions you need and how complex your issues are. We explain our rates in advance, and for parties who already agree on terms, we offer a streamlined, flat fee style documentation process.
Can you handle mediation if we live in different states?
Yes, we regularly use virtual mediation for clients who live in different locations. We are licensed in Kentucky and Ohio, so we are familiar with cross-border family law questions. During your consultation, we discuss jurisdiction, court requirements, and how remote participation can work for your situation.
What happens if we cannot reach a full agreement?
If you cannot resolve every issue, you can still submit partial agreements to the court and limit what a judge must decide. We talk with you about next steps and other options, including litigation when appropriate. Our goal is to preserve progress and help you avoid unnecessary conflict wherever possible.
Talk with an experienced family law mediation attorney in Northern Kentucky about divorce, custody, or support—schedule your consultation online or call (859) 577-7552 today.