A divorce can be stressful for everyone involved. The parties may feel they lack control over their future, and the costs and delays of the court process are daunting.
Mediation can offer a relatively quick and peaceful resolution to issues between couples. To learn more about the benefits of a Southbury mediation attorney, speak to a lawyer at our firm. Our seasoned mediation attorneys are here to help.
Mediation is essentially a facilitated discussion between parties in disagreement or conflict. The mediator is a specially trained professional, usually a lawyer. However, the mediator is neutral and does not represent either party to the dispute.
The mediator’s job is to create a space where both parties can freely discuss their preferred resolution to the issues that divide them. The mediator ensures that both parties have the opportunity to speak and be heard. In most cases, a respectful, facilitated discussion results in parties finding at least some common ground.
A mediation could require a single session lasting a few hours or multiple sessions scheduled over several weeks or even months. When parties are able to compromise on an issue, the mediator prepares a written document explaining their agreement. Each party benefits from having their own Southbury mediation lawyer review the document before they sign it.
Couples with a good relationship sometimes try to resolve the outstanding issues in their divorce by themselves. Unfortunately, they may work hard to put together an agreement only to find that they failed to address some required aspect of their divorce or their agreement is legally defective in some other way. Working with a mediator to craft the agreement can prevent these issues.
Mediation can be effective even when emotions are high and a couple is not communicating well. A skilled mediator can help the couple engage in constructive communication, which helps resolve the divorce and is especially important if they co-parent.
Mediation is faster and less expensive than a litigated divorce. The couple typically shares the cost of the mediator, and each will benefit from a Southbury lawyer to advise them throughout the negotiations and review the final agreement. Legal fees for a mediated divorce are a fraction of those for a litigated divorce.
Mediation can be effective at any time during the divorce process. When a couple begins mediation before either of them files for divorce, they preserve the possibility of an uncontested divorce. If the couple is able to resolve all their issues, they can submit their signed agreement with their divorce petition, and have a final divorce decree within a few weeks of the filing.
Many couples cannot resolve all their issues before filing for divorce. Mediation can limit the scope of a litigated divorce if the couple can reach an agreement on some issues before the filing. A Southbury divorce attorney can then represent a spouse in resolving the still outstanding issues.
When a couple is in a high conflict-litigated divorce, judges sometimes request the couple try mediation before scheduling a trial. Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-53a establishes a confidential divorce mediation program. The process is often effective in resolving some or all of the issues before the couple must endure a stressful, expensive, and public divorce trial.
Divorcing couples must untangle their financial relationship and decide numerous issues about co-parenting their children. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are running high. It is wise for couples in conflict to explore the benefits of a Southbury mediation attorney.
Mediation is an efficient, empowering, and cost-effective way for many couples to resolve outstanding issues in their divorce or separation. Contact us today to learn more about divorce mediation from our hardworking family lawyers.
N/a
