Mediation helping you begin again

Divorce Mediation Attorneys in Albuquerque

Two Mediation Tracks for Albuquerque Families & Represented Parties

Divorce mediation gives both parties control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge. It’s typically faster, more private, and less costly than contested litigation, and it’s often the right path for solution-oriented clients who want to move forward with clarity. At Batley Riley Family Law, we offer two distinct mediation tracks under one family law firm in Albuquerque.

Roberta S. Batley serves as a certified special master mediator and Volunteer Settlement Facilitator for the 2nd Judicial District Court, handling complex cases and represented-party mediation. Lauren E. Riley provides flat-rate mediation for unrepresented families navigating divorce on their own. Whether your situation involves business assets, a parenting plan, or a straightforward settlement, we have a track built for it. The Second Judicial District Court in Bernalillo County may require settlement facilitation before a contested divorce proceeds to trial, and our team knows how that process works from the inside.

Ready to explore divorce mediation in Albuquerque? Call (505) 576-7296 to schedule a consultation.

Roberta S. Batley has been a trained mediator since 1993. That foundation, combined with her standing as a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, reflects a career built on serious family law work. She also holds the Diplomat designation from the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, a distinction limited to 100 practitioners nationwide. Lauren E. Riley brings her own credentials: Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation, and advanced training in Collaborative Divorce representation.

Our team discusses cases openly across matters, so the thinking behind any mediation session draws on more than one attorney’s perspective. For clients who are business owners or navigating high-conflict custody, that depth matters. We work with clients who are settlement-oriented and focused on practical outcomes, and we bring the full team to every case.

What to Expect During Divorce Mediation in Albuquerque

The mediation process looks different depending on which track fits your situation. Both tracks address the core issues in any divorce: parenting plans, community property division, business interests, spousal support, and child support. Once the parties reach agreement, a marital settlement agreement is drafted and submitted to the court for a judge’s approval. New Mexico law keeps mediation proceedings confidential, so statements made during sessions generally can’t be used in later litigation.

Flat-Rate Mediation for Unrepresented Families

For unrepresented families, Lauren E. Riley’s flat-rate track offers a predictable cost structure and a clear path from first session to final agreement. Voluntary mediation can begin as soon as both parties are ready, without waiting for a court scheduling date. Sessions can be held in person at our Albuquerque office or virtually.

Represented-Party Mediation for Complex Cases

For represented parties, Bobbie Batley steps in as the neutral mediator, facilitating sessions between the parties and their attorneys. Her role as a Volunteer Settlement Facilitator for the 2nd Judicial District Court gives her direct familiarity with how Albuquerque-area cases are structured and what courts expect in a completed agreement.

Key issues addressed across both mediation tracks:

Parenting plans and custody arrangements, including decision-making authority and parenting time schedules
Community property division, including real estate, retirement accounts, and business interests
Spousal support and child support, calculated under New Mexico guidelines
Business continuity and valuation for clients with ownership stakes in ongoing enterprises
Final marital settlement agreement for submission to the district court

I can’t thank Lauren and her team enough
“Lauren is a fantastic communicator and deeply cares about her clients, their children and family. My prior attorney retired but was ineffective and expensive. Lauren took over and lead with integrity, quickly helping us to resolve and close the case. I would highly recommend Lauren and the team at Batley Family Law.”

- Chelsea S.

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Meet Our Team

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Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process where divorcing couples work with a neutral third party (mediator) to negotiate and resolve disagreements outside of court. During the mediation process, each party works amicably to achieve mutually agreeable solutions on issues like child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division.
A mediated divorce can offer several benefits, including:
- Efficiency. Mediation can help streamline divorce proceedings by eliminating the need for lengthy court battles.
- Cost-effective. A mediated divorce can save you money on attorney fees and court costs.
- Reduced conflict. Mediation is often less stressful because it fosters a cooperative and less adversarial environment.
- Privacy and control. Unlike traditional litigation, mediation is a more private process that offers couples greater control over the outcome.
A mediator is a neutral third party who helps divorcing couples resolve issues related to their divorce without going to court. It’s important to understand that the mediator does not provide legal advice or make decisions on the couple’s behalf, but instead facilitates communication between spouses to guide them toward an amicable agreement.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your mediation agreement may include decisions regarding child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support, property division, and debt and asset distribution. After completing the mediation process, our firm can help you draft the necessary legal paperwork to finalize your divorce in court.
No, a mediator is not the same as a divorce attorney. A mediator is a neutral third party who guides couples toward mutual agreements, while a divorce attorney represents and protects the interests of one spouse.
Even the most amicable dissolutions can become complex when money, property, and children are involved. While couples are not legally required to retain lawyers for divorce mediation in New Mexico, it can be highly beneficial. Many spouses will hire their own lawyer to review documents and advise them on agreements, while other couples may forgo representation to work directly with the mediator.
However, a mediator cannot provide legal advice to either party. In some cases, working with an experienced mediation lawyer can improve your chance of achieving a favorable outcome without the need for time-consuming litigation. Our firm offers both legal representation and mediation support to help you reach a fair and efficient divorce agreement.
While mediation offers numerous advantages over traditional litigation, it may not be suitable for every couple. Below are some common situations where mediation is not recommended:
- There is a history of domestic violence or abuse. Mediation may be ineffective if one spouse feels intimidated or threatened by the other.
- One spouse refuses to be honest or disclose financial information. Mediation depends on transparency. Hiding assets or income undermines the process.
- There is a significant power imbalance between spouses. If one spouse dominates decisions or has undue influence, mediation may not result in a just outcome.
- One party is unwilling to negotiate in good faith. Mediation requires cooperation and will not work if one spouse is simply using it to delay the process.
- Mental health or substance abuse issues affect judgment. Mediation may not be appropriate if either party cannot make informed or rational decisions.
In these cases, litigation or attorney-led negotiations may be more appropriate to ensure protection and fairness. If you’re preparing for a high-conflict divorce, our accomplished trial lawyers can represent your best interests in and out of the courtroom.

Your Life is
Unique & Complex

You shouldn’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.
You deserve a plan designed just for you.

Roberta S. Batley: Certified Special Master Mediator & Settlement Facilitator

A special master mediator holds authority that goes beyond what a standard mediator possesses. Under Rule 1-053 NMRA, a special master may hold hearings, gather evidence, make findings of fact, and submit formal recommendations to the court. That quasi-judicial authority can make a real difference in complex or high-conflict cases where standard facilitation isn’t enough to move the parties toward resolution.

Divorce mediation attorney Roberta S. Batley holds that certification and currently serves as a Volunteer Settlement Facilitator for the 2nd Judicial District Court in Albuquerque. With more than 28 years of family law experience and a practice rooted in New Mexico, she brings both credential and local context to every case she mediates. Clients who have worked with her have recognized that combination in five-star reviews.

Preparing for a mediated divorce? Call (505) 576-7296 or contact us online to discuss your case.

The dual-track structure at Batley Riley Family Law serves clients across a range of situations. Bobbie Batley grew up around family businesses in New Mexico, and that background informs how she approaches complex asset and ownership cases. We serve clients in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico, including Santa Fe, and sessions can be conducted virtually when in-person scheduling isn’t practical.

Who each track serves:

Business owners benefit from a mediator who understands business valuation, continuity, and the operational realities of dividing an ownership stake during property division.
Represented parties in complex cases can work with Bobbie as the neutral mediator, with their own attorneys present, in a process that accounts for the procedural expectations of Albuquerque’s family courts.
Unrepresented families have access to Lauren Riley’s flat-rate track, which provides cost predictability and straightforward guidance from first session to signed agreement.
High-conflict custody situations benefit from a divorce mediation attorney with the authority and experience to keep the process structured and focused on the parenting plan rather than the conflict.

If you’re weighing whether mediation is the right path, or trying to determine which track fits your situation, contact Batley Riley Family Law to schedule a consultation. We can help you understand your options before you commit to anything.

Why Choose Batley Riley Family Law?

We Are Committed to Your Success
We Empower You to Make the Right Choices
You Will Have Your Questions Answered
We Will Help You Find Your Way Forward

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