Are you concerned about getting a fair divorce settlement and having your voice heard? Have you wondered how to establish a custody agreement effectively? Mediation may help.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a non-adversarial form of conflict resolution that includes:
- The parties
- The parties’ attorneys (not required, but most parties have attorneys present)
- A mediator
The parties may attend mediation either in-person or online, and they can be in the same room or in separate rooms.
Purpose
Mediation aims to find common ground between the parties, help them identify their interests, and assist them in reaching an agreement of their choice, as opposed to fighting in court and risking the outcome of their case.
Mediation gives the parties more control while providing a safe, structured environment for everyone. It allows the parties to feel heard in a non-threatening environment, with the help of a neutral third party who facilitates the conversation.
Solutions
Mediation is optional and non-binding unless the parties reach a settlement or agreement. If the parties reach an agreement, they can file it with the court for the judge’s signature.
From that point on, the document becomes binding. However, it is only a conversation, and either party can withdraw. If either party chooses to withdraw from mediation, which they can do at any time, they can still go to court or utilize a different form of alternative dispute resolution.
Mediation is an affordable, less aggressive way to settle disputes while preserving a friendly, professional or civil relationship. It is highly effective, it has been proven to work, and it could work for you.
