Mediation is one form of resolving disputes outside of the court system. Individuals going through a divorce can opt to engage in the mediation process to save themselves from the stressful litigation process.
Mediation may also offer a less expensive alternative for individuals ending their marriage. Many couples benefit from mediating disputes rather than taking every issue to court. If you are considering completing your divorce using this method, contact a West Lake Hills mediation lawyer. A divorce attorney from our firm could help you through this process and negotiate in you best interests.
What Does a Mediator Do in a Divorce Case?
A mediator is a neutral third party who can help divorcing individuals come to agreements about important issues in their case. The mediator may assist with issues such as custody decisions, spousal support, and property division. The mediator serves to offer options that facilitate the discourse so that the divorcing parties can come to a resolution on their own. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, they may need to take their case to court. It is important to note that a mediator cannot make binding decisions for the parties.
In many places, courts require couples to go through mediation as a part of the divorce process in an attempt to save resources. Other times, couples will make the decision themselves. Individuals with questions regarding mediation should speak to a West Lake Hills attorney.
What Happens at Mediation?
During mediation, the parties may meet with the mediator together or separately, depending on the situation. Some couples may work together in one session while others may return numerous times to negotiate the terms of their divorce.
The mediator can highlight all of the different issues that the individuals will need to decide as a part of their divorce agreement. When the parties reach an agreement, the mediator can draft a document detailing the terms. The individuals then sign that document and file it with the court.
A West Lake Hills attorney may join the mediation sessions and provide counsel and input. Having the advice of an experienced lawyer could help an individual understand the essential issues and feel confident about signing the agreement.
How Mediation Can Help Both Parties
Mediation offers certain benefits to both parties getting a divorce. First, this method of dispute resolution often costs significantly less than litigation. Litigated divorces often cost tens of thousands of dollars, and the attorneys engaged in this form of dispute resoltuion may charge fewer hours.
Compared to litigation, mediation can also be less hostile. One of the goals of a mediator is to get the parties to work together to reach agreements that guide them in the next phase of their lives. Couples with minor children might be able to improve their communication through this process and have a better opportunity of successfully co-parenting.
Although some cases do not settle in mediation, when the parties both agree to take part in the process, this form of dispute resolution has a lot to offer. Individuals interested in divorce mediation should speak to an attorney in West Lake Hills.
Speak to a West Lake Hills Mediation Attorney
Divorces tend to be one of the most stressful parts of many people’s lives. The issues you need to address include property division, support, custody, and many other deeply personal matters. A divorce’s outcome may have financial implications for many years to come, not to mention impacts on parents’ relationships with their children.
Although this process is pleasant and is not always amicable, there are ways to end a marriage with less hostility and animosity. Contact a West Lake Hills mediation lawyer today for a consultation.
