FAMILY LAW MEDIATION
A Smarter Divorce Solution
Mediation offers a respectful, private, and far more affordable alternative to courtroom litigation. Instead of handing control to opposing lawyers, mediation empowers both spouses to shape the agreements that define their family’s future.
Why Choose Mediation?
List of Services
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Save in Legal FeesList Item 1
Traditional divorces can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Mediation often costs a fraction, and spouses typically share the fee rather than each paying their own attorney.
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Faster ResolutionList Item 2
Court timelines can take months or even years. Mediation can resolve the terms of a divorce in days or weeks.
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Private & ConfidentialList Item 3
Mediation is confidential — keeping family matters out of public records and off the internet.
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Less Stress, More ControlList Item 4
You don’t need to “win” a divorce; you need clarity and closure. Mediation keeps decision-making in the hands of the spouses, not a judge.
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Protect Your Children
Co-parenting begins during divorce. Mediation reduces conflict and helps parents establish healthier parenting relationships.
How Mediation Works at SNW
Mediation is designed to help families reach clear agreements efficiently and respectfully. Sessions are structured, solution-oriented, and guided by a neutral mediator.
When appropriate, mediation can address:
- Parenting plans (custody, visitation, holidays, decision-making)
- Child support & shared expenses
- Spousal support
- Community property partition & debt allocation
- Other family-law issues that benefit from a cooperative approach
Mediation at SNW is offered at a flat fee, which typically includes:
- A half-day or full-day mediation session, and
- Preparation of written agreements reached during mediation
After mediation is concluded, one spouse may retain SNW to file the necessary court documents and finalize the divorce.
Meet the Mediator — Johnston Burkhardt
Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and certified Family Law, Child Custody, and Visitation Mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry.
For years, Johnston was approached by spouses who wanted an amicable divorce and asked whether he could represent both sides. They wanted efficiency, privacy, and control — not the contentious, expensive divorces they watched their parents endure. Recognizing this need, Johnston completed specialized training to provide a structured, respectful alternative to litigation.
Is Divorce Mediation Right for You?
Mediation works best for spouses who:
- Want control over their divorce outcome
- Prefer privacy to public litigation
- Want to minimize conflict for their children
- Can communicate (with help) toward compromise
- Want a faster, more predictable resolution
Schedule a Mediation Consultation
If you and your spouse are looking for a more respectful and efficient path forward, SNW’s Family Law Mediation Practice may be a good fit. Contact Johnston Burkhardt at johnston@snw.law or 504-313-4199 for a free consultation.
Blog
When Is the Other Parent’s Consent Required for Step-Parent Adoption in Louisiana? One of the most important questions in any Louisiana step-parent adoption is whether the other biological parent’s consent is required. In many cases, consent is necessary and must be formally executed before the adoption can proceed. This typically applies when the parent has maintained a relationship with the child or has continued to fulfill their legal obligations, such as paying child support or maintaining regular contact. However, Louisiana law also recognizes that there are circumstances where a parent’s consent is not required. Courts may dispense with consent if the parent has failed to support the child or failed to communicate with the child for a specified period of time, as defined by statute. For example, prolonged absence, lack of meaningful contact, or failure to provide financial support can form the basis for terminating parental rights without consent. The burden is on the petitioner to prove that these conditions are met, and the court will closely examine the facts of each case. In situations where consent is not obtainable, the process becomes more litigation-focused. The petitioner must present evidence demonstrating the other parent’s lack of involvement or failure to meet their obligations. This can include payment records, communication logs, testimony, or other documentation showing a pattern of absence or neglect. The court will evaluate this evidence carefully, with the child’s best interest as the guiding standard. It is important to understand that termination of parental rights is a serious legal action, and courts do not grant it lightly. Even when statutory grounds exist, the court must still determine that the adoption is in the child’s best interest. For this reason, these cases often benefit from careful legal strategy and thorough preparation. When handled properly, however, step-parent adoption can move forward even without consent, allowing families to achieve legal stability and permanence despite challenging circumstances. Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and licensed mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. To learn more about adoption, any other family law issues, or to schedule a free consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law
Step-Parent Adoption in Louisiana: A Practical Guide Step-parent adoption in Louisiana, often referred to as an intrafamily adoption, is a legal process that allows a spouse to adopt their partner’s child and become that child’s legal parent. Once the adoption is finalized, the step-parent has the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent, including decision-making authority, inheritance rights, and the obligation to support the child. At the same time, the legal rights of the other biological parent are terminated, either through consent or by court order. For many families, step-parent adoption is not just a legal step, it is a meaningful way to formalize an existing parent-child relationship and create long-term stability. In Louisiana, step-parent adoption is generally available when the adopting step-parent is married to the child’s legal parent and has established a relationship with the child. The process begins with filing a petition for intrafamily adoption in the appropriate court, typically in the parish where the petitioner or child resides. Depending on the circumstances, the court may require the consent of the other biological parent. If consent is not available, the court can still grant the adoption if certain legal criteria are met, such as abandonment or failure to support or communicate with the child for a statutory period. The court’s ultimate focus is always the best interest of the child. One of the advantages of step-parent adoption in Louisiana is that it is generally more streamlined than other types of adoption. Home studies are not required, particularly when the child has been living with the step-parent, and the process can move relatively quickly compared to private or agency adoptions. That said, each case is fact-specific, and issues involving consent, parental rights, or out-of-state parties can add complexity. For families considering this step, the benefits are both legal and practical. Step-parent adoption can provide peace of mind by ensuring that the step-parent can make decisions for the child in medical or educational settings, maintain custody rights in the event of the biological parent’s death, and create clear inheritance rights. It also provides emotional security for the child, reinforcing the permanence of the relationship. While the process is designed to be accessible, working with an attorney can help ensure that the petition is properly prepared and that any issues with consent or parental rights are addressed efficiently. Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and licensed mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. To learn more about adoption, any other family law issues, or to schedule a free consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law
Step-Parent Adoption in Louisiana: A Practical Guide Step-parent adoption in Louisiana, often referred to as an intrafamily adoption, is a legal process that allows a spouse to adopt their partner’s child and become that child’s legal parent. Once the adoption is finalized, the step-parent has the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent, including decision-making authority, inheritance rights, and the obligation to support the child. At the same time, the legal rights of the other biological parent are terminated, either through consent or by court order. For many families, step-parent adoption is not just a legal step, it is a meaningful way to formalize an existing parent-child relationship and create long-term stability. In Louisiana, step-parent adoption is generally available when the adopting step-parent is married to the child’s legal parent and has established a relationship with the child. The process begins with filing a petition for intrafamily adoption in the appropriate court, typically in the parish where the petitioner or child resides. Depending on the circumstances, the court may require the consent of the other biological parent. If consent is not available, the court can still grant the adoption if certain legal criteria are met, such as abandonment or failure to support or communicate with the child for a statutory period. The court’s ultimate focus is always the best interest of the child. One of the advantages of step-parent adoption in Louisiana is that it is generally more streamlined than other types of adoption. Home studies are not required, particularly when the child has been living with the step-parent, and the process can move relatively quickly compared to private or agency adoptions. That said, each case is fact-specific, and issues involving consent, parental rights, or out-of-state parties can add complexity. For families considering this step, the benefits are both legal and practical. Step-parent adoption can provide peace of mind by ensuring that the step-parent can make decisions for the child in medical or educational settings, maintain custody rights in the event of the biological parent’s death, and create clear inheritance rights. It also provides emotional security for the child, reinforcing the permanence of the relationship. While the process is designed to be accessible, working with an attorney can help ensure that the petition is properly prepared and that any issues with consent or parental rights are addressed efficiently. Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and licensed mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. To learn more about adoption, any other family law issues, or to schedule a free consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law
Collaborative Divorce vs. Traditional Divorce: Cost and Outcome Comparison The differences between collaborative divorce and traditional litigation are significant, particularly when it comes to cost and outcomes. Traditional divorce is driven by the court system. It often involves multiple hearings, formal discovery, and extensive attorney involvement. This can lead to substantial legal fees and prolonged timelines. Collaborative divorce, by contrast, is designed to streamline the process. While there are still professional costs involved, the focus on resolution typically results in lower overall expenses. The outcomes also differ. In traditional divorce, a judge makes the final decisions. Those decisions may not fully reflect the priorities or preferences of either party. In collaborative divorce, the parties maintain control over the outcome. This often leads to more customized and practical solutions. Perhaps most importantly, collaborative divorce tends to preserve relationships. This is especially valuable in cases where the parties will continue to interact, such as co-parenting situations. For many couples, the choice comes down to this: a court-driven process with uncertain outcomes, or a controlled, solution-focused process designed to move forward efficiently. Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and registered divorce Mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. He is versed in community property partition, custody, child and spousal support, and all issues that arise during divorce. To learn more about mediation or schedule a free consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law
Amicable Divorce in Louisiana An amicable divorce is exactly what it sounds like: a divorce where both spouses work together to reach an agreement rather than fight through the court system. In Louisiana, this typically means both spouses agree on the major issues: property division, custody, and support. Instead of relying on a judge to decide these issues, the parties maintain control over the outcome. That control often leads to better, more tailored solutions for both sides. An amicable divorce does not mean there are no disagreements. It means the parties are willing to resolve those disagreements productively—often through mediation or negotiation—rather than litigation. The process is also significantly more efficient. In many cases, once an agreement is reached, the divorce can proceed quickly after the required separation period. This stands in contrast to contested divorces, which can take years to resolve. For many couples, an amicable divorce offers a path forward that protects finances, reduces stress, and preserves relationships, especially when children are involved. Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and registered divorce Mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. He is versed in community property partition, custody, child and spousal support, and all issues that arise during divorce. To learn more about mediation or schedule a free consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law
Amicable Divorce in Louisiana An amicable divorce is exactly what it sounds like: a divorce where both spouses work together to reach an agreement rather than fight through the court system. In Louisiana, this typically means both spouses agree on the major issues: property division, custody, and support. Instead of relying on a judge to decide these issues, the parties maintain control over the outcome. That control often leads to better, more tailored solutions for both sides. An amicable divorce does not mean there are no disagreements. It means the parties are willing to resolve those disagreements productively—often through mediation or negotiation—rather than litigation. The process is also significantly more efficient. In many cases, once an agreement is reached, the divorce can proceed quickly after the required separation period. This stands in contrast to contested divorces, which can take years to resolve. For many couples, an amicable divorce offers a path forward that protects finances, reduces stress, and preserves relationships, especially when children are involved. Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and registered divorce Mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. He is versed in community property partition, custody, child and spousal support, and all issues that arise during divorce. To learn more about mediation or schedule a free consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law
How to Prepare for a Family Law Mediation Session Family law mediation works best when everyone comes to the table prepared. Mediation is not about surprise tactics or courtroom drama—it’s about informed decision-making, efficiency, and reaching an agreement that you are comfortable with and can live with long after the session ends. If you are scheduled for a family law mediation, there are two simple steps you should take in advance to set yourself up for success. 1. Complete the Mediation Questionnaire Thoroughly and Honestly Before mediation, clients are asked to complete a detailed intake questionnaire. This document is not busywork. It provides the mediator with essential background information about your case, including the issues to be resolved, areas of agreement, and areas of dispute. Take the time to fill it out completely and accurately. The more information the mediator has in advance, the more productive your session will be. Incomplete or rushed responses often lead to time being spent during mediation just clarifying basic facts—time that could otherwise be used to work toward resolution. 2. Gather Financial Documents in Advance For cases involving child support, spousal support, or property partition, having reliable financial information is essential. Mediation depends on realistic numbers, not estimates or assumptions. You should gather documents that reflect: Your current income (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other income records) Bank account balances Retirement accounts and investment statements Real estate values Outstanding debts, including mortgages, credit cards, loans, and other liabilities You do not need to organize these documents perfectly or create spreadsheets unless instructed to do so. Simply having accurate, up-to-date records available allows discussions to stay grounded in reality and prevents delays caused by missing information. Why Preparation Matters Mediation is designed to be efficient, cost-effective, and respectful. When both parties arrive prepared, sessions tend to move faster, cost less, and result in clearer, more durable agreements. Preparation also gives you confidence. Knowing your financial picture and having thought through your priorities allows you to focus on solutions rather than reacting under pressure. If you and your spouse or co-parent are looking for a more respectful, efficient path forward, SNW’s Family Law Mediation Practice may be a good fit. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with SNW’s mediator, Johnston Burkhardt, contact him today at johnston@snw.law or 504-313-4199.
SNW and Johnston Burkhardt Launch Divorce and Family Law Mediation Practice Divorce mediation offers a fast, respectful, private, and more affordable alternative to courtroom litigation. Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC is proud to announce the launch of its Divorce and Family Law Mediation Practice led by attorney Johnston Burkhardt, a certified Family Law, Child Custody, and Visitation Mediator. Many couples know they want a divorce, but they don’t want a fight. They want a process that is efficient, respectful, and focused on reaching a solution. Mediation offers a structured, confidential setting where spouses can resolve issues like custody, visitation, support, and property division with the help of a neutral mediator—without turning an already difficult transition into years of litigation. Why Johnston Became a Mediator As Johnston explains: “Over the years, I have been approached by spouses seeking divorce who ask me if I can represent both of them. They don't want their parents' divorce of the past – spending thousands of dollars for lawyers on each side and months of turmoil litigating every issue.” Recognizing the growing demand for collaborative, family-centered dispute resolution in Louisiana, Johnston pursued additional training and became a certified Family Law, Child Custody, and Visitation Mediator. He is listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. How Mediation Works at SNW Mediation is designed to help spouses reach clear agreements—efficiently and with dignity. Mediation sessions are guided, goal-oriented, and focused on practical outcomes. When appropriate, mediation can address: Parenting plans (custody, visitation, holidays, decision-making) Child support and related expenses Spousal support Community property partition and debt allocation Other family-law issues that benefit from a cooperative approach Mediation at SNW is charged as a flat fee and typically includes one half or one full day of mediation and the preparation of all agreements reached during the session. Spouses typically split the cost of the mediation. After the mediation is concluded, one of the parties can retain an SNW lawyer to file the documents with the court and finalize the divorce. Why Spouses Are Choosing Mediation Save in Legal Fees: Traditional divorces can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with both parties paying their own attorneys. Mediation often costs a fraction of that amount, with the parties sharing the cost of one mediator instead of multiple lawyers. Faster Resolution: Litigation can drag on for months or years. Mediation can settle the terms of a divorce in days. Private, Not Public: Mediation sessions are confidential. Keep your and your family’s personal matters out of public records and off the internet. Protect Your Children : Reduce the emotional toll on your children. Mediation fosters cooperation and helps parents build healthier co-parenting relationships. Respect Your Ex : There’s a reason you got married. You don’t have to hate this person. Let us help you navigate an emotionally responsible exit. Don’t Lawyer Up : Both parties appear unrepresented, but before an experienced, neutral mediator who knows the law. If they reach an agreement, one party retains an SNW lawyer for the purposes of filing the necessary agreed-upon documents. Schedule a Mediation Consultation If you and your spouse are looking for a more respectful, efficient path forward, SNW’s Family Law Mediation Practice may be a good fit. To learn more or to schedule a consultation with Johnston Burkhardt, contact him today at johnston@snw.law or 504-313-4199. For more information on divorce and family law mediation, click here .
