Susan Longley has been an innovative probate judge. No doubt one of her most successful innovations has been the institution of a mediation system for disputed family cases, such as guardianships and wills.

Mediation has proved to be an effective alternative to lawsuits for several reasons. It is less costly and time consuming than trying to settle disputes through the court system. The greatest advantage is that parties in dispute have a stronger commitment to a resolution that they helped to shape than to an order handed down by the judge. Susan Longley typically implements the results of mediation in her orders.

Since Judge Longley has offered mediation, 90 percent of the cases before her court have chosen this option, and more than 70 percent have resolved their issues. Furthermore, when payments are ordered, she has instituted an incentive based monthly payment system with discounts and forgiveness for those who are faithful in meeting their payments.

Certainly we will be well served if Susan Longley is re-elected as our judge of probate.

Larry Theye lives in Belfast