Why Mediate?

What are some advantages to mediation?

Mediation provides an opportunity to talk with someone who is impartial.
The issues in your dispute are not decided by someone else (self-determination).
What you say in mediation is confidential.
The mediator can help you overcome obstacles to communication with the other person or party in your dispute.
Mediation agreements are enforceable.
A mediated agreement allows you and the other person or party to reach flexible solutions to your dispute.
Mediation can save time and costs.
You know what you have agreed to in mediation instead of gambling with what the judge or jury may decide if you go to court.

What kind of family law cases are mediated?

Any type of family law case may be mediated, it is not exclusive to divorces. If there is a disagreement over timesharing of minor children, allocation of debt and distribution of property, alimony, child support and other issues, the parties may (with or without their lawyers) call a mediator to help them resolve their disputes.

In cases related to children, mediation is available whether or not the parents of the minor child were married. In addition, domestic violence cases and high conflict cases can be mediated, with the safety of the participants a primary goal during mediations. The Courts encourage mediation of disputes in family law cases because the Court process often fails to adequately resolve disputed issues.

What happens at the end of family law mediation?

If the parties reach an agreement at mediation, the mediator will draw up an agreement that the parties sign. The agreement will be presented to the Court by an attorney of the parties choice or the parties can then set a final hearing on the matter to complete the divorce. On the other hand, if the parties do not come to an agreement, an impasse is declared and the mediator will submit a document stating the parties did not reach an agreement. Thereafter, the parties will submit the issues before the Judge.