Divorce mediation can be a better choice than engaging an attorney to represent you individually at the court. In a divorce mediation, two parties discuss their terms reasonably, without having to enter into court battles. Mediators can ensure that negotiations happen in a congenial atmosphere and in as amicable a manner as possible.
All mediators are not the same
Different mediators may have different styles. There might be differences in how they conduct a session. You may not feel as comfortable with any mediator, and this is why it is advisable to meet and talk to different mediators first, and then choose the person you want to oversee your sessions according to how you feel about them.
You may still need an attorney after the mediation process is over
Even after you have reached a settlement, you may still need to hire a lawyer who can help you complete the divorce procedures through the legal system. Sometimes it is also wise to talk to your attorneys before making your divorce agreement official.
There are couples who seek mediators and tell them that they have already reached an agreement and would like to have them settled. These couples should just skip the mediation process altogether and go ahead with hiring an attorney to guide them with their settlement.
Mediators help in resolving any disputes during the session, but if a couple has already come to a mutual agreement then they don’t need to waste their money on divorce mediation and simply head to the court. If the mediator is also an attorney, he can help the participating couple with filling out the court documents.
Mediation can be less expensive
The attorney’s role in mediation is very limited, and hence their charges are also less when compared to litigation. Mediation can take around $7000 on an average, whereas battling it out in court may cost you anything from $20,000 to $35,000 or even more.
Your divorce mediation will remain confidential
Whatever happens during the session remains only between the mediator and the parties involved. Any sensitive information likely to be shared during the few hours of discussion, are never disclosed to anyone outside of the those included in the session. There are confidentiality agreements that one has to sign before taking part in this.
Gerald A. Maggio is a trained Orange County divorce mediator who has amicably resolved cases many cases out of court, as well as an experienced divorce and family law attorney. Mr. Maggio founded California Divorce Mediators in 2012 with the belief that although “not every marriage can be saved, every family can” and a mission to save families from the financial and emotional distress associated with traditional divorce litigation. California Divorce Mediators is located in Irvine, California, and serves the Orange County area and other counties in California offering divorce mediation, child custody mediation and mediation of other family law matters.
