Road to a Fair and Reasonable Agreement
When you are proceeding with a divorce, one of the first decisions you make is whether to pursue an adversarial process or one based on negotiation. Most people are familiar with the litigation route, and have heard the nightmare stories associated with it.
Why should you consider mediation as a divorce alternative?
- Usually less expensive
- You are involved in decision making
- Confidential
- Avoids going to court
- Usually much faster
- More flexible
- Less likely to make a bad situation worse
- Usually better agreements that are tailored to your life
For couples who can agree to negotiate their divorce outside of the traditional litigation system, mediation offers a better result and better experience in almost every way.
What to Expect
Mediation is different from the traditional adversarial-based litigation we're all familiar with. In mediation, the attorney is neutral, and doesn't represent either party. Our role as a lawyer is to try to keep your negotiations fair, informed and moving forward.
- We start by setting up an appointment where you and your spouse meet with an attorney.
- The appointment usually lasts 2 1/2 hours, the first half hour of which is free.
- If everyone is satisfied at the end of the first half-hour, then we proceed.
- We continue to meet, usually every other week, to continue the mediation.
- Unlike a court-based hearing where information goes into the public record and anyone can attend, our appointments stay private.
- Unless otherwise agreed, each party is billed separately for half.
- At the end, a judge will sign your agreement without you ever having to go to court.
If mediation seems like an option that you and your spouse might be willing to pursue, then call us. We also offer divorce consulting services as well as collaborative divorce.
