Mediation Allows You to Express Yourself
As form of dispute resolution that is available in virtually every type of civil proceeding, mediation typically allows competing parties the opportunity to hammer out an agreement that reasonably meets the needs of everyone involved. This holds true in a large number of arenas, including personal injury concerns, business disputes, and, of course, divorce and family law. Perhaps the biggest advantage to seeking mediation in your divorce or child-related matter your ability to be clearly heard throughout the process, a luxury not necessarily afforded in many court-handled cases.
Strict Legal Guidelines
While the statutes regarding divorce and family law are constantly being updated to allow for more individual consideration, the fact of the matter is that a court can only do so much. A presiding judge is expected to take into account an ever-growing list of circumstantial considerations, which may include those related to each spouse and the children involved. To truly appreciate a family’s situation, a judge would need to review the case for hours and hours, discussing intimate details with each party, and doing so is clearly not a realistic expectation. Thus, court decisions are often based on a very limited understanding of the facts, and only those each party remembers to include in presented documents.
You Control the Pace
In family law mediation, however, you and your spouse are not only intimately involved in the process, you also dictate the negotiations. A well-trained mediator, of course, is there to facilitate the discussion and to keep you both on a path toward resolution, but will also ensure that you have every opportunity to be heard. Nobody—not even your attorney—understands your situation as well as you do, and mediation provides you the chance to express your specific needs, desires, and concerns regarding the outcome of your issue. Your spouse will be afforded the same opportunities, allowing your resulting agreement to reflect the actual, nuanced circumstances of your situation.
Work With a Skilled Mediator
The individual attention inherent to the mediation process is just one—albeit a substantial one—of the many benefits available through mediation. Others include more flexibility, cost savings, and lower stress compared to traditional litigation. To make the most of family law mediation, though, it is important to choose a mediator with the knowledge and creativity to help you reach a workable agreement in a reasonable amount of time. For more information, contact the office of experienced Geneva family law attorney Douglas B. Warlick. In addition to his work as a family lawyer, Mr. Warlick has been a certified legal mediator for over 20 years. Call 630-232-9700 to schedule a confidential consultation today.
Sources:
http://www.mediate.com/articles/spier.cfm
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jefflanders/2012/04/24/the-four-divorce-alternatives/
