Benefits of Mediation in a Divorce
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party helps parties involved in a legal dispute reach an amicable resolution of their case. While mediation is used in various types of cases, it can be particularly helpful in divorce cases. Mediation attorneys in Nashville explain the following benefits mediation offers:
Cost and Time Savings
Time is money. This is especially true during the divorce process when you pay a lawyer based on the amount of time they spend on your case. By participating in mediation, you may be able to reduce the amount of time your family law attorney in Nashville has to spend on your case. You can also reduce legal costs associated with litigating your case.
If mediation is successful, you can proceed with an uncontested divorce. This means you can get divorced much faster since you don’t have to wait for a trial date to open up on the court’s busy docket.
Confidentiality
Litigated divorce cases are held in open court. Anyone from the public can observe them. Mediation occurs in a private setting. Anything discussed in mediation cannot be revealed in court.
Reduced Conflict
In court, the parties are adversaries. There is no communication between them. This stance as enemies can heighten conflict.
Mediators use effective communication techniques, such as active listening, reframing, and empathy. These techniques can help the parties open up and be honest with each other. Reducing conflict can often help the parties come to a mutual understanding and create an amicable settlement that best suits their needs.
When parties are involved in creating their agreement, they are more likely to adhere to it, so mediation can help avoid conflict in the future. Additionally, a positive resolution in mediation can provide a framework for the parties to turn to in case any disagreements later arise.
Control
Parties involved in mediation can structure their own agreement rather than asking the court to make crucial decisions regarding their family and finances.
Customized Agreements
One of the most essential benefits of divorce mediation is the ability to structure an agreement that meets your individual needs. Courts have standard orders and remedies they make in divorce cases. These might not suit your particular family’s needs.
Through mediation, you can create a customized agreement. You and your spouse can agree to any terms you mutually consent to. This may allow you to use more creative options, such as trading property of a similar value, “nesting” in your shared home with your children, or coming up with a parenting schedule that better conforms to your work obligations.
Certainty
When parties participate in mediation, they end up with a certain outcome. If they reach an agreement, they have voluntarily entered into it. When they leave the case up to the court to decide, they are not guaranteed any particular outcome. They can leave their case to chance by litigating it.
Contact Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys for Legal Support
The Nashville divorce lawyers from Burdine Law Firm, PLLC have extensive experience in mediation matters. We can support you during this process and ensure you understand how different decisions can affect your legal rights and situation. Contact us for a confidential case review to learn more about how we can help during the mediation process.