Mediation
Resolve Issues With Our Los Angeles Divorce Lawyer
A contested divorce that leads to litigation can be an expensive and highly stressful situation. There are alternatives that could result in a better resolution, at far less cost. When you use our mediation services, you have the opportunity to get the issues sorted out through negotiations, allowing for a better resolution, which is also much more likely to be adhered to, as both parties were involved in the process. At The Law Offices of Michael D. Burt, the legal team focuses solely on divorce and family law, and has served individuals throughout Southern California, the USA and internationally.
The Process of Divorce Mediation: Why it is a Good Choice
A contested divorce can drag on for months or even years in high net worth cases. This is expensive and often unproductive in the end – neither party is happy with the court's decision. Litigation can be expensive, as each court appearance is costly, and there usually several. Any professional expert providing supporting evidence must also be paid. There is also the issue of exposing your personal issues in court; efforts to discredit the other person can be very emotional and upsetting, and are risky. With the assistance of a skilled mediator, and the determination of both parties to get all the critical issues resolved out of court, the settlement or agreements can reflect the actual situation of the two parties, and court need not intervene, saving time and money.
How Does Divorce Mediation Work?
In mediation, the two parties agree to have a third party, completely neutral, who is trained in the process of alternative dispute resolution. Each party in the process can have support, including an attorney, child care expert, accountant or other professional provide information regarding their case. This process allows both parties to be fully responsible for the final agreements regarding child custody, child support, spousal support, property division and any other issue in the marriage.
Your Children and Divorce Mediation
We all want to protect our children from undue stress and worry. Engaging in the process of mediation, even if the two parties do not want to remain friends after the divorce, can lead to a much more civil relationship between the parents. This is extremely beneficial to the children. Even young children are very aware of trouble between parents, and when there is less strife and discord, the children are happier and the outcome usually healthier for all concerned.
Common Questions and Concerns
When considering mediation, couples often have inquiries about the process just like with any other legal procedure. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those that are seeking divorce for many reasons. Mediation allows for the two spouses to come to an agreement without a judge deciding for them. By bringing together a third party to clarify wants and needs between the separating couple, it allows for better communication to be had.
With the amount of attention being given to mediation, there are still individuals that are uncertain that it is the right choice for them. People wonder how much time it will take and may think that it will be a lengthy process. In reality, it may only take a few sessions to come to a positive resolution. Each time the three parties meet together, it can take as long as the couple needs to come to a resolution. The mediator will never pressure the couple, but typically a session will last for a few hours. It all depends on the cooperation of the individuals involved and their willingness to resolve necessary issues.
The issue of time ties into the worry that couples may have about how much it costs to obtain the legal help of a qualified mediator. Most mediators get paid by the hour. In many cases the two spouses can split the costs, relieving feelings that only the spouse who paid for the mediation would get preferential treatment. If the family law matter is extremely complicated, taking extra time and efforts, it may result in a higher rate.
With greater privacy and a chance to sit down and really discuss their options, couples are finding that it is a highly beneficial option compared to a drawn out court case. Minimizing the chance of emotional upset and cutting down on divorce costs, mediation is becoming increasingly popular.
