Certified Domestic Mediator Serving Oakland and Wayne Counties, Michigan
When families face difficult decisions — about children, finances, and their futures — the path forward does not always have to run through a Courtroom. Mediation offers a structured, confidential process that allows parties to work toward resolution together, with the guidance of a neutral professional.
Emily K. Catania is a State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) Certified Domestic Mediator and is included on the Oakland County Circuit Court's roster of Court-approved mediators. She mediates child custody disputes and domestic relations matters for families throughout Oakland and Wayne Counties and the greater Metro Detroit area.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party assists communication between parties, helps identify issues, and supports the exploration of solutions to find a settlement that both parties are satisfied with. A mediator is not a judge. The parties voluntarily enter into a settlement.
This distinction matters. In traditional Court proceedings, a judge or jury determines the outcome — often in ways neither party fully controls or anticipates. Mediation allows the parties involved to determine a solution that will provide an agreement that is satisfactory to everyone. Mediation can be scheduled quickly and can be less expensive than a trial. The mediation process is also confidential, unlike Court proceedings, which are public.
Importantly, parties using mediation do not give up any of their legal rights and can always choose to continue with a regular trial if mediation does not result in a resolution.
What Emily Mediates
Emily focuses her mediation practice on domestic relations matters, including:
Child Custody Mediation
Custody disputes are among the most emotionally charged situations a family can face. Mediation provides a structured environment where parents can work through disagreements about legal custody, physical custody, and parenting time with the support of a neutral professional. When parents reach their own agreement through mediation, they often find it more sustainable and less adversarial than outcomes imposed by a Court.
Domestic Relations Mediation
Beyond custody, Emily mediates a broad range of domestic relations matters, including disputes arising from divorce, property, support, and other family-related conflicts. Her background as a litigator gives her a clear understanding of how these issues are handled in Court, which allows her to guide parties toward realistic, well-grounded agreements.
Emily's Qualifications as a Mediator
Emily K. Catania holds certification as a Domestic Mediator through the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) of Michigan. Approved mediators must complete an extensive training program approved by the State Court Administrator, as well as observe and conduct mediation sessions. In addition, mediators must fulfill a continuing education requirement to remain on the Court's list of approved mediators.
Emily is included on the Oakland County Circuit Court's roster of court-approved mediators for domestic relations matters. This means that when Oakland County Judges order parties to mediate, Emily is among the certified professionals they may appoint or that parties may select by agreement.
Her dual background as both a litigator and a certified mediator offers a distinct perspective. She understands what the alternative to mediation looks like — the time, cost, and uncertainty of litigation — and uses that knowledge to help parties make informed decisions throughout the mediation process.
How Mediation Works in Oakland County
For families in Oakland County, the mediation process generally follows a structured path:
Referral or Agreement — Mediation is frequently ordered by a Judge or initiated voluntarily by the parties. Oakland County Circuit Court maintains a roster of approved mediators to help in the selection process. If the parties do not agree on the selection of a mediator in the time given by the Court, the Court will appoint an approved mediator using the Blind Draw method.
Scheduling — Once selected, the mediator coordinates with the parties to set a date, time, and location. Sessions can be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the circumstances.
The Mediation Session — The mediator explains the process, facilitates discussion of the relevant facts and issues, and helps the parties work toward resolution. Sessions continue until a resolution is reached or it is determined that mediation is not appropriate for the situation.
Resolution or Continuation — If the parties reach an agreement, represented parties will have their attorneys prepare the necessary documentation to formalize the settlement, while pro se parties may use mediation to help prepare and document the agreed-upon terms. If mediation does not result in a resolution, the case proceeds through the Court process without prejudice.
Is Mediation Right for Your Situation?
Mediation is not appropriate for every case. It works best when both parties are willing to engage in good faith and when there is no significant power imbalance or safety concern that would make the process unfair or unsafe.
For many families navigating custody disputes and domestic matters in Oakland and Wayne Counties, mediation offers a meaningful alternative to the cost, delay, and uncertainty of litigation. It can also result in agreements that are more tailored to the specific needs of the family, rather than outcomes determined by a Court's application of general legal standards.
Whether mediation is the right path depends on the specific facts and circumstances of your situation. Emily is available to discuss whether mediation may be an option worth exploring.
Serving Families in Oakland and Wayne Counties
Emily K. Catania provides mediation services for families in Birmingham, Troy, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Waterford, Clarkston, Rochester Hills, Novi, and throughout Oakland and Wayne Counties. In-person and virtual mediation sessions are available.
Interested in Mediation as an Option?
Whether you are looking for a Court-approved mediator or exploring whether mediation is right for your situation, Emily K. Catania is available to discuss your options. Contact our office today to get started.