When a couple is divorcing amidst significant disagreements concerning division of property, child custody, alimony and other issues, mediation can be a less expensive alternative to litigation.
A divorce trial is an expensive undertaking, but when the divorcing parties are far from agreement, it is sometimes a necessity. However, mediation can help a case reach a settlement without the need to go to trial.
A mediator is a knowledgeable, neutral evaluator who explains the law to both sides and aims to reach a settlement that is acceptable to both parties. Typically, both parties share in the cost of mediation.
There are non-attorney mediators who can help the parties resolve a conflict, but often, the divorcing spouses each hire an attorney to draft the agreement after resolution. Lisa McDevitt, Attorney mediators, like Lisa McDevitt, are able to both help parties come to a resolution and to draft the settlement agreement — eliminating the need to pay multiple parties for essentially the same services.
Lower cost is perhaps the most attractive aspect of mediation, but divorcing couples may also prefer a less adversarial process. If there are children from the marriage, an ongoing relationship of some kind will be necessary, and a non-adversarial divorce process can set the stage for an amicable one.
Contact a family law attorney with the McDevitt Law Office of call 1-571-223-7642.
