The Downside of Med-Arb, Tips on Mediation & When Divorce Arbitration Works with Mike DiManna | Episode 47

Mediation, Arbitration, and Med-Arb in Colorado Divorce CasesIn this episode of Divorce at Altitude, Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha are joined by Mike DiManna, a longtime Colorado family law attorney and Denver-based mediator/arbitrator, for a practical discussion on resolving divorce cases outside the courtroom. Mike shares his path into law—starting from an Italian-Catholic family expectation of the priesthood, a life-changing semester at CU Boulder, and ultimately a career shaped by decades of courtroom litigation.The conversation breaks down mediation, arbitration, and med-arb, including why an experienced litigator can function as a “settlement master” who offers candid feedback on strengths and weaknesses—not just shuttle offers between rooms. They cover what makes mediation effective (preparation, realistic expectations, and clear communication), when arbitration can quickly solve time-sensitive disputes (like real estate and settlement-document terms), why parenting issues are more complicated, and how arbitration decisions are hard to overturn—making careful drafting and process choices critical in Colorado divorce cases.Guest InformationMike DiManna is a Denver-based family law attorney, mediator, and arbitrator with decades of experience in Colorado divorce litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He is known for a practical, evaluative mediation style and for helping parties resolve complex disputes efficiently through mediation and arbitration.Episode OutlineHow Mike Got Into Law From an expected path toward the priesthood to CU Boulder, debate, and eventually law school.Mediator vs. “Settlement Master” The value of neutral feedback on strengths, weaknesses, and likely court outcomes.What Works in Mediation Preparation, prior settlement offers, and setting realistic expectations before the session.Common Mediation Mistakes Showing up unprepared, last-minute submissions, and treating mediation like a checkbox.Arbitration in Divorce Cases Why it’s favored, when it’s efficient, and what issues are best suited for arbitration.Why Parenting Issues Are Different Mike’s view that parents—not third parties—usually make the best decisions for kids.Med-Arb Explained How it works, why confidentiality and caucus dynamics create ethical challenges, and why the record matters.What is Divorce at Altitude? Ryan Kalamaya and Amy Goscha provide tips and recommendations on issues related to divorce, separation, and co-parenting in Colorado. Ryan and Amy are the founding partners of an innovative and ambitious law firm, Kalamaya | Goscha, that pushes the boundaries to discover new frontiers in family law, personal injuries, and criminal defense in Colorado. To subscribe to Divorce at Altitude, click here and select your favorite podcast player. To subscribe to Kalamaya | Goscha's YouTube channel where many of the episodes will be posted as videos, click here.  If you have additional questions or would like to speak to one of our attorneys, give us a call at 970-429-5784 or email us at [email protected].************************************************************************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS ON THIS PODCAST IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE. CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE OR AREA TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE ON ANY OF THESE ISSUES.