Divorce Mediation in a Nutshell
Divorce mediation is an out-of-court process in which a divorcing couple works with a facilitator (mediator) to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement to end their marriage. The mediator incorporates the agreement into a document package that is filed with the court. In a few weeks, the couple attends a brief hearing before a judge who grants their divorce.
Holden Divorce Mediation Lawyer
The Qualifications and Role of Your Mediator
A qualified divorce mediator is a family law attorney who is trained in alternative dispute resolution (ADR). That means making decisions outside of a courtroom. The mediator doesn't take sides or make decisions. Rather, he or she explains the law and keeps the parties' negotiations moving toward solutions.
This is important. When angry people try to negotiate on their own, they begin fighting over the past and who's to blame within a few minutes. The mediator doesn't let that happen.
Mediators keep the conversation civil, focused on the future and moving toward solutions. Mediators are neutral communications facilitators. They're unbiased and committed to getting their clients through a difficult time quickly with as little stress and expense as possible.
Worcester Divorce Mediator, Conveniently Located in Holden, Massachusetts
Advantages of Mediation
Cost: A mediated settlement can be as much as 90 percent less expensive than a traditional divorce in which each spouse hires a lawyer.
Time: Mediating spouses generally come to an agreement after two or three sessions spread over a few weeks. Court papers are filed, and a final hearing can often be scheduled within a month. The entire process can take as little as three months. Litigated divorces typically take more than a year, and cases lasting two or three years aren't unusual.
Reduced emotional trauma: In most divorces, the parties are angry and communication between them has become difficult. When both sides go to lawyers, the atmosphere gets worse. The lawyers square off like fighters in a ring, the spouses stop talking to each other and their relationship goes further downhill. The process is especially hard on children.
A mediator explains the law and guides negotiations toward a fair solution. That keeps the couple talking and minimizes anger and frustration. Most mediation clients remain on friendly terms after their divorces.
More satisfying results: People tend to be happier with mediated settlements because they've developed the agreements themselves. Litigated results can seem arbitrary because they're developed by other people - lawyers and a judge.
Is Mediation Right for You?
If you and your spouse can talk to each other calmly, mediation will probably work for you. Call for an appointment with attorney William R. Lasher today at 774-345-9996 or contact us by e-mail.