Mediation

Divorce mediation services and other types of family law mediation are an alternative to family law litigation.  The benefits of family law mediation are many, if this is the right path for you. Regardless of your thoughts about going through the mediation process, in most cases the court will require that you mediate your lawsuit before the judge will allow you to move forward with a trial.

A mediator can act as a neutral buffer between each side of a conflict, with the goal to resolve the dispute and bring both parties together in a settlement.

There are varying approaches to dispute resolution through family law mediation:

• Mediator may meet with both parties and their attorneys, then separate the sides and meets individually
• Mediation can happen with no joint sessions; the mediator goes back and forth until a settlement is reached

Family Law Mediation Advantages

There are many advantages to family law mediation.

Cost-effective. The trial of a family law case can take days or even weeks in some cases. An effective mediator can assist you in resolving your issues in as little as a half day and usually in no more than one day.

Expeditious. By eliminating a costly and time-consuming trial, with a possible appeal, the length of time can be significantly reduced.

Avoid court drama. Conflict between parents can be one of the most damaging aspects of divorce for children and for the parties. Settling the dispute out of court can be very beneficial for children and reduces the emotional strain on the parties, whether parents or not. Also, the way your marriage ends will significantly impact the way you approach your future relationships, as well. A mediator can help both of you communicate in making important decisions without the hurtful anger that typically occurs in the drama surrounding court proceedings in family law litigation.

Fewer unknowns. Mediation offers the couple control over how decisions are made and the terms of the divorce.

Make your own agreement (not imposed by judge). Each step is by agreement, in contrast to the adversarial process in which court dates and judicial decisions may be imposed upon you.

Confidential. In a private divorce mediation, all discussions and tentative agreements are strictly confidential. This makes it safe to propose solutions for possible consideration without having them all thought out. This can lead to new solutions neither party had previously considered.