Family law mediation is one way to resolve a divorce or custody issue without becoming involved in a significantly bitter, disruptive dispute. Mediation isn’t a middle way, it’s a part of alternative dispute resolution, and if you believe you’d like to pursue it, we have compiled some answers to many of our client’s most pressing questions.
What are the advantages of mediation?
Mediation has four main advantages over traditional litigation. They are:
- Speediness: It is often quicker to see a mediator than to get in front of a judge.
- Cost-effectiveness: Because it takes less time, you end up spending much less on mediation in the long run.
- More collaborative: In mediation, both parties are often motivated to work together to find a solution rather than fight.
- Privacy: Confidentiality is a huge component of mediation. The issues and their resolutions remain private and outside the public record.
For these factors, families that wish to remain amicable often find a successful mediation is the best option.
How long does mediation take?
Mediation, while often faster than litigation disputes, isn’t necessarily quick. It can take time to get parties on the same page and come to a mutually acceptable compromise. That time, however, depends on the work of all the people in the issue. Also, there is a statutory minimum waiting period for divorce of at least 90 days.
Can we change mediators?
Changing meditators is possible and sometimes necessary. If you believe a mediator favors the other party more than yours, you may seek a new mediator. However, if you find it essential to change mediators more than once, the mediation process may not be for you.
Every situation is unique
Envision Family Law wants to help get you the answers to your questions. What we have above is merely a starting place. You may have circumstances that will provide unique challenges to the mediation process, but that does not disqualify you. Mediation may still be right for you, but the only way to know is to reach out.