Mediation

When it comes to family law matters, many couples utilize mediation to negotiate the terms of their settlement. In mediation scenarios, the couple with and without attorneys come together along with a neutral third party -- a mediator -- to review any outstanding issues surrounding the separation. The goal: work through the terms of the family law matters amicably, and ensure both sides feel heard and their individual needs met.

Mediation is used to resolve issues of:

• divorce,
• alimony,
• property division,
• post-divorce,
• child-related issues such as custody or parenting schedule,
• or financial issues between parties.

Mediation can result in less money being spent for litigation as the parties can work together with a mediator to resolve their issues. Mediation can drive quick, confidential resolutions, without the stress of formal court appearances for a trial. What’s more, because you are not “appearing,” you and your spouse will have an opportunity to structure your divorce, asset division and, if applicable, custody in a way that makes sense for you and your family -- not in a prescribed or rigid format dictated by standard legal proceedings. Ultimately, the majority of mediations end in a settlement, with you and your spouse or significant other controlling the process and the outcomes from start to finish.

In mediations, the mediator drives the conversation and negotiations, encourages compromise and, ultimately, helps facilitate the terms of the agreement. While mediators do not make decisions for their clients, they can often drive productive conversations that, ultimately, help both sides shares their challenges and, together, come up with mutually agreeable solutions.

Mediation is also a great way to overcome existing communication hurdles in your relationship. Even if, ultimately, proceedings end in divorce. or dissolution of the relationship, many couples report gaining the communication skills they need to effectively and efficiently navigate co-parenting and other challenges that arise in the future.

While many couples start with mediation, there are some scenarios when a more formal legal process is necessary. If your relationship has a history of domestic violence or bullying, mediation may not be the appropriate avenue to resolve your issues. If you choose to mediate, however, be sure your attorney and your mediator are aware of these issues before starting mediation so they can help better balance the conversation, ensure a safe location for the mediation.

For most couples, mediation is a simple way to work through differences and, ultimately, determine how to move forward apart. If you and your spouse or significant other are willing to show up and compromise, mediation is a good first -- or next -- step. Get in touch to learn more and to schedule your mediation session now.