Family law mediation is a process where a couple that is separating or divorcing selects a neutral party to help them resolve their differences. With children involved, fighting needs to be avoided at all costs because it endangers kids’ happiness and mental health.
The neutral party, or “mediator” facilitates negotiations so the parents can resolve their differences without fighting in court. Litigation can take a long time, is extremely expensive, public, embarrassing, and random because the parents can’t control the judge’s decision. Instead, the parents will conference with a mediator.
In an informal setting, the mediator will try to help the parents collaborate and reach something mutually agreeable. Each parent gets a chance to talk, listen to each other, and meet with the mediator privately. During this process, the parents also have lawyers because the mediator doesn’t give legal advice – just helps to find common ground.
All discussions in a mediation are treated as confidential, so nothing can be held against anyone. When mediation is successful, the parties will reach an agreement which is sent to a judge and it becomes as strong an order as if the Judge decided the case himself.
Courts like mediation because judges are busy and prefer that parties work things out themselves. Judges sometimes order it. If the parents don’t mutually agree, they can still use the courts.
Mediation is a no–brainer; it helps parents to agree, save time and money, maintain privacy, and control their own destiny.
Don’t waste time and money! Immediately begin taking control of your life, suggest mediation to your co-parent for your own good and the good of your children. Contact us to learn more!