Divorce Mediation
Collaborative Divorce and Divorce Mediation are similar in the sense that they both aim to achieve a negotiated agreement rather than engage in contentious court proceedings. It is important to speak with a trusted attorney to determine which process is the right choice for you.
Divorce Mediation
Mediation is voluntary process by which you and your spouse make joint decisions on a settlement. An attorney fromThe Family Formation Law Center will act as a singular, professional mediator to facilitate discussions but does not give advice or make decisions. The mediator may, however, make suggestions as to how the various disputed issues can be resolved.
Often the parties will have their own independent attorneys review the agreement reached during mediation if they were unrepresented by legal counsel during the mediation process. This ensures that all parties receive a fair outcome from the mediation process and helps to create a durable agreement.
The Divorce Mediation Process
Both parties meet with the mediator to identify issues, exchange information, and work toward an agreement. The parties may each have their own lawyer and may retain other professionals as deemed necessary to answer questions in advocacy for each party confidentially. In complex divorces (those cases characterized by a large amount of or high value assets, special needs children, business investments) each party may choose to have his or her attorney at the mediation session. When the attorney's from The Family Formation Law Center are acting as a mediator, we strongly suggest that the parties hire an attorney to review their mediated decisions after a settlement has been reached, but before filing with the court, to gain assurance that their legal rights are upheld.
Mediation can be used to handle different types of family law issues, such as:
• Divorce & legal separation
• Children custody, placement and access plans
• Valuation & division of property
• Spousal & child support
• Pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements
Benefits of Mediation
• You set your own pace
• You do not have to go to court
• The mediation process is confidential
• Oftentimes less expensive
Which Option is Right for You?
Each couple has unique circumstances and goals. Finding the least adversarial approach to resolving disputes is important, particularly when children are involved.The Family Formation Law Center helps clients identify and achieve what is important to them so they can move forward with their life. To speak with Rose Kesten Pondel regarding potential divorce proceedings, click here.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.