Divorce mediation is about three people: you, your spouse and a third party – the mediator. The mediator does not work for either party and may not give either party advice, but they are there to guide you through the process.
The dispute is viewed as a problem to be solved. The mediator doesn’t make any decisions and you don’t have to take your chances in the courtroom. Many people prefer mediation when there are complex issues involved, rather than letting a judge make decisions about your life.
A mediator also helps you understand your legal rights so that you can make decisions that are in your own best interests.
While mediation is often linked with divorce cases, it is used for the resolution of many types of legal cases. Neighbors, employers and employees, business partners and families can benefit from the use of a mediator when there are disputes that must be resolved.
Here are just a few reasons that mediation works:
- Mediation is much less expensive than a trial or series of hearings.
- Mediation usually settles all issues in your case, such as distribution of property; child custody; retirement, and taxes.
- Mediation allows you and the other party to decide what is best for your.
- Instead of the courts being in charge of your lives, you are in control.
- The mediation is confidential with no public record of what happens in your sessions.
Mediation is a much quicker and less volatile way to resolve problems. Courtrooms are crowded and tension-filled; and cases can take years to come to trial. In mediation, you may have all of your issues resolved in just a few sessions.
It is very expensive to take a case to trial. By resolving your issues outside of the courtroom, you will save time and money. Even if you cannot resolve all issues, a partial settlement can reduce future court costs.