Mediation in Divorce and Child Custody Matters
Mediation in an effective method to resolve your family law dispute. It involves a neutral third-party mediator who facilitates the two parties in reaching a a voluntary agreement to resolve their issues. Depending on the needs of the parties, the mediator can assist them in reaching an agreement on issues like marital property, child custody and visitation, and child support. The mediator helps the parties work through their disagreements and helps them get through stalemates to get them to achieve their goals.
If the parties have already filed a family law matter in court, the court can designate a mediator from a list of mediators who are employed by the courts or will refer them to private mediators who have experience with family mediation. If the parties have not initiated a family law case in court but know that things are not going well with them, they can utilize the services of a mediator prior to seeking the court’s intervention.
Mediation is:
Voluntary; and
Confidential
The parties can rest assured that everything discussed at the mediation will confidential and cannot be used later in court. If mediation is unsuccessful and the parties are not able to reach an agreement, neither of them can bring in the mediator at subsequent court proceedings and have them testify as to what was discussed at the mediation. The process is designed so that the parties feel as comfortable as possible so that they can reach a voluntary agreement.
At the Law Office of Neveen H. Kurtom, LLC, we offer mediation services to anyone who is interested in reaching an agreement and resolving their disputes prior to seeking the court to intervene. The parties can either have their own counsel present or come alone. The parties will meet with the mediator together at first and then separately in different rooms so that each can tell the mediator what they want to privately. The mediator will listen to the goals of each party and try to work between both to help them come to a middle ground. The mediation session is billed at an hourly mediator rate and most of the time the parties agree to split these fees. Most mediations require at least two (2) hours and can last longer depending on the issues involved. Sometimes, the parties do not settle during the first session and will require additional sessions. If an agreement is reached, the parties can either have their attorney draw up an agreement or the parties can hire the mediator to draft the Mediated Settlement Agreement.
Helping you reach your goals!
SHOULD I USE A MEDIATOR?
Deciding on whether you should use a mediator instead of going to court is a personal decision. Some cases are not fit for mediation. For example, if there has been allegations of child abuse or a history of domestic violence, mediation is not the best option. We recognize that the parties may have contention between them as divorces and child custody disputes are highly stressful. However, a mediator can help you communicate with your partner regarding these issues, help you establish your goas, and can assist you in creating solutions for you an your family.
BENEFITS OF MEDIATION
Instead of leaving it up to a judge to decide on the fate of your finances and children, you and your partner will be able to come to these decisions together. Mediation is often times less costly than having extensive litigation that can cost you thousands of dollars and drag on through the court system. It also allows the parties to know exactly what they are agreeing to and give them time in between sessions to process the agreement rather than rushing into making a decision. You set the pace and the mediator works with both parties to make sure both of their goals are being met. Our experienced and trained mediator has extensive knowledge of Mediated Settlement Agreements and rest assured that they will work with you every step of the way to get you to your goals. Contact us today at (443) 741-2567 to book your first mediation. We look forward to working with you.