Domestic (Family) Mediation
What is Family Mediation?
For domestic disputes, individuals can use mediation to resolved any number of separation or divorce issues including, but not limited to:
- Child custody and parenting plan
- Child and spousal support
- Decisions regarding the marital home
- Asset and liability division
- Insurance benefits and tax issues
- Systems for future negotiation
- Post divorce issues
- Parent/child conflicts
What are the Benefits of Family Mediation?
Disputes can be settled quickly. A mediation session can be scheduled when both parties agree to use mediation, even before a lawsuit is filed.
Mediation can offer a fairer, more civilized, and more cost-effective alternative than taking a case to court.
Both legal facts and the real interest of the parties are considered with the help of an impartial mediator.
Mediation is private and confidential. The mediator and the parties must maintain, to the extent required by law, the confidentiality of the information disclosed during mediation.
Mediation is voluntary. The mediation may be terminated at any time by a party or the mediator. Settlement is also entirely voluntary. The final agreement is designed by parties according to their own interests and, when applicable, the interests of the children. If an agreement cannot be reached, the parties still have the right to take the dispute before a judge.
Mediation is family oriented and promotes better relationships through cooperative problem-solving and improved communication. When couples can agree, the children are winners. Children learn by example and when they see parents trying to work together, it lets them know that even in the midst of divorce, there is hope. An adversarial setting for divorce is very often not in the best interests of the couples involved or the children.
Mediation is therapeutic, but not therapy. It can minimize the anger often associated with divorce and reduce the strain of children. Although divorce or separation is a traumatic event, it can be achieved with dignity and ultimately result in hopeful beginnings for all persons involved.
