HELPING CLIENTS REACH A FAIR SOLUTION WITH QUALITY MEDIATION SERVICES
The top mediation services provide more than a solution all parties agree to. Here at Finger Lakes Mediation and Divorce Coaching LLC, we give our clients exactly what they need to turn stress and conflict into a calm focus on the future.
Finger Lakes Mediation was first established in 2010 as a practice specializing in divorce coaching, child custody, and family mediation. We have since expanded our efforts and now help clients resolve business disputes and conflicts in their community. Our modern office is centrally located right off the expressway and has ample parking, as well as an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station for client use. Based in Rochester, NY, our mediators are proud to help clients throughout the Victor, Greece, or Macedon, NY areas.
Finger Lakes Mediation strives to make every client feel completely comfortable voicing their frustrations, needs, fears, and hopes for the future. Call us today to learn more about our mediation services or to schedule a consultation.
Michaele C. Gantz
Owner and Mediator
Michaele is a highly respected mediation professional who serves the Wayne, Ontario, and Monroe County communities with expertise, dedication, and the utmost professionalism. Michaele has years of experience facilitating mediations that save her clients the extensive time, money, and distress involved in litigation.
Michaele understands that issues related to child custody, divorce, or elder care are going to reshape the lives of her clients. Her individualized approach allows each party to feel heard, welcomed, and validated as they define which issues and outcomes matter most to them. While Michaele is a neutral mediator, she strives to help every single client feel heard and at ease.
Although mediators cannot provide legal advice or representation, Michaele’s clients can depend on her to stay on top of the latest changes to New York State law – ensuring no stone goes unturned and no balls are dropped during the mediation process. Michaele continues her education mainly through the NYS Council on Divorce Mediation.
Beyond her well-established practice, Michaele has been a business owner since her twenties and is passionate about using her skills to help community members during difficult times. She has taught anger management classes, worked at in-patient psychiatric facilities, and done conflict resolution training classes for Rotary International.
Education:
- B.S. in psychology from SUNY (State University of New York) Brockport
Other Achievements:
- Certified Divorce Coach
- Certified Recovery Coach
- Rotary President
- New York City Council on Mediation member
- The Center for Dispute Settlement certification
Jon Getz
Mediator
Jon was born in Jacksonville, NC and grew up in the Buffalo and Rochester regions before graduating from the University of Rochester with a degree in history and political science. He then received his Juris Doctor degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Law in 1992.
His main areas of practice include mediation, civil rights, civil litigation, criminal defense, criminal rights, and civil and criminal appeals in the state and federal courts. In his free time, Jon enjoys spending time with his spouse and two daughters.
Jon has been a solo practitioner of law, as well as a partner at Vahey Getz LLP from 2018 to 2021; a partner at Muldoon Getz & Reston from 2009 to 2018; and a partner at Muldoon & Getz from 2002 to 2009.
Jon’s professional achievements include serving as President of the Monroe County Bar Association from 2018 to 2019, District representative for the New York State Bar Association, WDNY Magistrate Merit Selection Panel in 2019; WDNY Magistrate Review Panel in 2018; Committee member for the Court’s Alternative Dispute resolution panel for the State Court, Seventh Judicial District, Board of Directors of Volunteer Lawyer Services Program; New York State Bar Association Delegate for 7th Judicial District from 2017 to present; Recipient of Leader in Law in 2018; Recipient of President’s Award from the Monroe County Bar Association in 2012 and 2014; Recipient of Charles F. Crimi Award from the Monroe County Bar Association; Recipient of Criminal Justice Act Award from the United States District Court for the Western District of New York in 2012; Recipient of New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Gideon Award in 1999; Recipient of New York State Bar Association’s Most Outstanding Young Lawyer Award in 1995; Co-director of the Innocence and Justice Project at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law; Political Science and Constitutional Law Instructor at the College at Brockport.
Education:
- Earned undergraduate honors degree from the University of Rochester
- Earned Juris Doctor from SUNY (State University of New York) Buffalo School of Law
Other Achievements:
- Recognized as Super Lawyer in General Litigation and Insurance Litigation
- Recognized as Distinguished Attorney by Martindale-Hubbell
- Past President of the Penfield Strikers Soccer Club
- Head Coach of the Penfield Strikers Soccer Club from 2008 to 2019
- Board member of University of Rochester History Advisory Counsel
- President of Wimbledon Homeowners Association
“Mediation is guiding people through a process of conflict and conflict resolution. I am a neutral third party, so I do not side with one person or another. I keep the communication moving so that they can come to an agreement. People don’t always get everything they want, but with my help, we can reach a compromise that is fair to everyone.”
M I C H A E L E G A N T Z
Owner & Mediator