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.
