Litigation is generally something people want to avoid; It’s expensive, time consuming, emotionally draining and unpredictable. Going through mediation is one option that you might consider when you are going through a divorce or any other family law issue. Knowing the process of mediation will help you decide if it is right for your case.
Mediation is a process in which you and your ex work together to work out the terms of your divorce or other family law issue. The process includes an impartial third party who is called the mediator. You and your ex must both agree to use mediation.Mediation involves a neutral third party working to assist the parties in reaching a settlement of their dispute. Mediation may be “open” in which case, in the event that no resolution is reached, the mediator may release a report on the process. Mediation may be “closed” such that only the fact of the mediation having taken place can be disclosed if no settlement is achieved.
You can mediate on issues such as custody, access, child support, spousal support, property division, mobility and any other issue you are concerned with. If you do not reach on the first day you can continue the mediation in the next session.
Understanding the mediation process is vital if you are going to go through the process. Before you meet with the mediator, you should make sure that you know what points you need to stand firm on and those you are willing to negotiate about.