Family Law Mediation with Howard J. Eglash in La Crosse, Wisconsin
When a divorce or custody dispute is headed toward court, it can feel like the process is taking over your life. The financial pressure builds quickly. Emotions run high. For many families, there is a better way forward.
Attorney Howard J. Eglash is a Certified Family Law Mediator at Bosshard Parke. After more than three decades practicing divorce and family law litigation, Howard became a mediator because other attorneys, colleagues, and opposing counsel began asking him to help resolve their most challenging cases. For roughly 15 years, he has focused much of his work on mediation and finds real value in helping people reach practical agreements during one of the most stressful times of their lives.
This page is for people looking specifically for family mediation services, including parties who already have attorneys and those who are not represented.
A Mediator Trusted by Attorneys and Families
Howard has practiced divorce litigation for 34 years. That experience matters in mediation. It means he understands how judges tend to view certain issues, what typically drives conflict, and where parties often get stuck. It also means he can help people evaluate settlement proposals realistically and identify options that have a strong chance of holding up.
Just as important, Howard’s reputation in the family law community is the reason mediation became a natural extension of his work. Over time, peers and opponents who respected his approach began asking him to mediate their cases. Today, Howard is a sought-after mediator for families who want a professional, steady process that is focused on solutions.
Our Leading Mediation Attorney
Family Law Issues Commonly Resolved in Mediation
Howard mediates a broad range of family law disputes, including:
- Divorce settlement terms
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support (maintenance)
- Child custody, placement, and parenting plans
- Child support and expense-sharing
- Post-divorce modifications
- Paternity-related parenting and support issues
If your matter involves children, mediation can be especially valuable because the goal is not just to end a case. The goal is to create a workable framework for the years ahead.
Who Howard Works With
Howard mediates family law matters for:
- Represented parties (both sides have attorneys)
- Unrepresented parties (both parties are working without attorneys)
- Mixed representation (one party represented, the other not)
Mediation can be appropriate at many stages of a case. Some people choose mediation before filing. Others mediate after a case is filed to reduce conflict and avoid trial. Post-judgment mediation is also common when life changes require updates to custody, placement, or support.
Why Mediation Often Works Better Than Litigation
Litigation is often expensive and stressful. It can also be rigid. Court schedules, procedural rules, and limited hearing time can force families into outcomes that do not fully reflect their needs.
Mediation is different. It is designed to help parties reach agreement in a private setting, at their own pace, with more flexibility. In many cases, mediation helps parties:
- Avoid the high costs associated with extended litigation
- Reduce the stress that often comes with preparing for hearings and trial
- Stay focused on practical outcomes rather than courtroom positioning
- Consider solutions that a court may not be able to order
- Preserve a better working relationship for future co-parenting
Mediation also tends to help people move forward faster because it keeps decision-making with the parties, not the court.
Creativity and Problem-Solving Are the Strengths of Mediation
One of the most important advantages of mediation is that it allows for solutions tailored to your family’s real life. Parties can often be more creative in mediation than in litigation, especially when it comes to parenting schedules, decision-making frameworks, and financial arrangements that need to work over time.
Howard’s role is to help both sides stay productive and focused, identify the issues that truly need resolution, and explore options that make sense for everyone involved.
Confidentiality Helps Parties Speak More Openly
Mediation is designed to encourage candid discussion. Nothing discussed in mediation can be used in court if an agreement is not reached. That confidentiality often makes it easier for parties to share proposals, consider alternatives, and have the conversations that lead to progress.
In practical terms, it creates a safer space for negotiation. People are often more willing to explore options when they know the discussion will not be turned into a courtroom exhibit later.
I worked with Howard Eglash in Family Law. He is a great attorney whose calm, steady presence and representation was most welcome during a difficult life change. My phone calls were returned in a timely manner, and my concerns were always addressed in a clear, understandable way.
Karen M., Bosshard Client
What to Expect When Mediating with Howard
Every case is different, but most family mediations follow a structured process:
For represented parties, Howard welcomes attorney involvement and works professionally with counsel throughout the process. For unrepresented parties, Howard maintains a neutral role while helping both sides stay organized and moving toward workable decisions.
Choose a Mediator Who Understands the Courtroom and the Human Side of Family Law
Family law disputes are legal matters, but they are also personal. Howard’s combination of litigation depth and long-term mediation experience gives parties a steady, informed process that stays focused on resolution.
If you are looking for a mediator who is respected in the family law community and committed to helping people find solutions, Howard J. Eglash is available to assist.
Request Family Mediation Services
To schedule family mediation with Howard J. Eglash at Bosshard Parke, call 608-782-1469 or use the online request form.