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 .

What to Expect in a Family Law Mediation Session Divorce and custody disputes are stressful enough without the added tension of the courtroom. Mediation offers an alternative approach, aimed at helping families move forward without litigation. But many spouses ask the same question before beginning the process: What actually happens in a mediation session? A Neutral Setting Focused on Resolution Mediation sessions are conducted in SNW’s office, not a courthouse. The sessions usually last a half or a full day. The mediator’s role is not to pick sides or decide who is “right,” but to guide discussion, narrow issues, and help spouses reach practical agreements on custody, support, and property. While each family is unique, common topics include: Parenting plans (legal and physical custody) Holidays and decision-making authority Child support and related expenses Spousal support Community property and debt allocation Move-away or relocation questions Communication and co-parenting expectations The mediator keeps the conversation organized and ensures each spouse has the opportunity to be heard. Mediation may occur with both spouses in the same room, or through “caucusing” — the mediator shuttling between rooms if emotions run high or communication breaks down. This structure often reduces conflict and encourages creative problem-solving. Unlike court, which depends on judges’ calendars and months of discovery, mediation typically moves quickly. Many families resolve all major issues in a half-day or full-day session. Everything discussed in mediation is confidential. Nothing said becomes public record, and neither party risks having private matters aired in open court. The focus is not on “winning,” but on reaching agreements that are workable, predictable, and beneficial to children and the family unit. If an agreement is reached during the session, the parties will sign a written agreement of the terms. The parties can provide the agreement to a lawyer to file, or they can choose to retain an SNW attorney to file the agreement with the court. Once filed with the court and signed by the judge, the agreement becomes an enforceable order of the court. If an agreement is not reached during the session, the parties can schedule an additional mediation session. About the Mediator Johnston Burkhardt is a family lawyer and registered Mediator listed on the Louisiana State Bar Association’s Mediator Registry. He is a Child Custody and Visitation Mediator 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 consultation, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law . 

What Happens After an Agreement Is Reached in Mediation? When a mediation session results in resolution, it transitions into finalizing documents and securing court approval where necessary. Step 1: Preparing Written Agreements Any terms reached in mediation are reduced to writing. This may include: Custody and visitation plans Child support and expense allocation Spousal support Community property division Reimbursement claims Parenting and communication expectations Clarity is crucial to avoid future disputes. Step 2: Reviewing and Signing Both spouses have the opportunity to review the agreement before signing. The mediator will review the agreements with the spouses in detail to make sure that are understanding and in agreement. Step 3: Filing With the Court For divorces and custody matters, agreements are typically submitted to the court for approval by a judge. Because the issues have already been resolved, the court’s role is limited and usually administrative — no contested hearings, no testimony, and no trial. Interested in Mediation? Compared to litigation, the post-mediation process is significantly faster and more predictable. Many divorces are finalized in weeks — not years. If you are exploring divorce and want a respectful, efficient pathway forward, mediation may be the right fit. To learn more, contact family lawyer and registered Mediator Johnston Burkhardt at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law