Divorce is a difficult situation for most people. Issues can be complex and stressful, especially if they involve involving contentious topics like child custody, child support, and alimony. There can be a lot of questions, overwhelming feelings, and a fear of not being in control.
People may think divorce issues can only be decided in a courtroom with lawyers, but that is not the case. If both parties are on the same page and would like to work together to resolve their divorce issues, divorce mediation can be a great solution. It allows the parties to focus on resolving issues in a productive manner, taking into account the best interests of their family and looking ahead to move forward with their lives.
Divorce mediation is a cost effective, non-litigious way for a divorcing couple to resolve divorce issues outside of Court. The divorcing couple meets with an impartial mediator who helps them identify the divorce issues and discuss options for resolving the issues. Together the couple takes control and determines how to resolve the issues and craft the terms of their Marital Settlement Agreement.
A successful mediation requires both parties to communicate and be open and honest. Both parties need to be forthcoming and provide full disclosure of finances. Mediation requires the cooperation of both parties. Both parties must be able to speak openly and freely in front of each other and listen to what the other has to say. It is important to note that the communication skills utilized in mediation may help the parties work together as co-parents post-divorce.
There are several benefits of resolving divorce issues using mediation instead of litigation, including:
Depending on the situation, the topics discussed in divorce mediation may include, but are not limited to:
As a divorce mediator, Karen P. Sampson helps parties reach a mutually satisfactory agreement on a variety of issues including but not limited to:
As a divorce mediator, Karen acts as a facilitator to assist the couple in reaching resolutions to all issues in their case. Upon the conclusion of the mediation process, a Memorandum of Understanding containing the agreed-to terms is drafted by the mediator. Since the mediator cannot provide legal advice, it is recommended that each party consult with his/her own attorney during the mediation process. The couple, with their attorneys’ assistance, can enter into a Marital Settlement Agreement when the mediation process is complete and pursue a divorce through the Courts in an uncontested manner.
If you and your spouse are in the process of attending divorce mediation with another mediator, it is important to understand that your mediator cannot provide you with legal advice. In that event, you can retain your own attorney (a mediation review attorney) to consult with during the mediation process, review your mediated terms, and assist in preparing a Marital Settlement Agreement and pleadings to put your divorce through the Courts in an uncontested manner. Please contact our office if you would like more information about retaining Karen’s services as your mediation review attorney.
Please contact our office at 856.439.0068 to find out more about our Divorce Mediation and Mediation Review Attorney services.