Most people turn to mediation because they do not want to have to retain lawyers, and so it seems contrary to the process to retain an attorney. However, mediation and having your own attorney are not mutually exclusive principles. Your own attorney can give you the kind of legal advice that a Mediator is not permitted to give you. During the mediation, you might find it frustrating when you ask your Mediator questions that fall into the category of legal advice, and your Mediator tells you she can’t answer. Your attorney, on the other hand, is the proper person to answer all of your questions and advise you based upon his or her interpretation of the law.