If you and your spouse need assistance getting past a limited number of hurdles and desire a process that is almost always quicker and more affordable than bringing your case to court, mediation may be the best choice for you.
WHEN SPOUSES COMMIT TO MEDIATE, THEY:
WHEN SPOUSES COMMIT TO MEDIATE, THEY:
- Commit to a family-centered process in which an impartial, neutral individual (the mediator) meets with them and strives to help them reach a mutual and informed settlement.
- Work in a safe setting in which they can communicate their needs and interests with each other.
- Enter an informal process in which the parties themselves are in control and empowered to make their own decisions, and there is a goal to reduce the tension and trauma of divorce.
- Understand an attorney-mediator may provide information about the legal system, how issues may be viewed by lawyers or judges, and what alternatives there are for solving issues, but may not provide legal advice or be an advocate for either side.
- Reduced Cost and Time. - Mediation, almost always, costs less, financially and emotionally, and takes less time than a litigated case.
- Control. - Spouses control the outcome, instead of a judge determining their fate.
- Confidentiality. - Proceedings are confidential, to ensure that all options can be safely considered and discussed.
- Creative. - Mediation explores creative options, independent of legal parameters.
- Enduring Solutions. - Compliance and satisfaction with mediated agreements tends to be higher than when imposed by a court, resulting in less post-divorce litigation.
