Roswell Mediation Lawyer
Not every divorce or family legal matter has to result in lengthy, drawn-out litigation. In some situations, resolving these disputes with alternative dispute resolution tools is possible. Our dedicated family attorneys can help you explore options like mediation before your case goes to trial.
Mediation can be used to resolve a variety of issues but is most commonly utilized in divorce cases. This form of alternative dispute resolution is a process that allows divorcing couples to resolve conflict with the help of a neutral third party. This approach is often a viable alternative to trial. Reach out to a Roswell mediation lawyer from our firm to learn more about the process and your options.
How Does Mediation Work?
Mediation is a less contentious approach to divorce compared to standard litigation. Instead of both sides putting forward evidence in front of a judge and jury, these proceedings occur entirely outside of the courtroom in private, with only the parties, their lawyers, and a mediator.
The mediator is the neutral party in this process. Their role is not to hear evidence and make a decision but to help both sides come to a consensus. This can involve working with the parties to determine their primary goals and facilitating discussions to resolve conflict. Often, mediators are able to help both spouses come to a conclusion on major issues like child support or alimony.
These efforts are non-binding. That means if one spouse is not happy with the outcome, they are under no obligation to come to any final agreement. When the process does not result in an agreement, the parties have the ability to move forward with the traditional litigation process. A Roswell mediation attorney can help ensure your best interests are protected during any negotiations and continue to advocate on your behalf if litigation becomes necessary.
Is Mediation Required?
While mediation is not always required, it is not uncommon for family law judges to order mediation before a case goes to trial. Specifically, the law requires parents involved in custody or visitation disputes to mediate their conflict before the court sets a trial date.
However, there is an exception to be aware of. The court will screen for any history of domestic abuse before ordering a couple to mediate. The law does not require abuse victims to take part in this process.
The Benefits of Mediation in Family Law
There are a number of potential benefits that come with resolving a divorce dispute through mediation. Some of these include cost savings, privacy, and increased control over the outcome.
Privacy
One of the major drawbacks of divorce litigation is that these cases play out in public. Mediation occurs in private. This allows spouses to work out their issues without divulging the intimate details of their marriage to the general public.
Cost Savings
There are savings in terms of time and money when relying on mediation over divorce litigation. Paying an attorney to litigate a divorce case can be far more expensive than resolving divorce disputes with the help of a mediator. This process is often much less time-consuming as well.
Increased Control
When a divorce case goes to trial, the judge has control over nearly every aspect of the case. One of the benefits of mediation is it allows both parties to retain some measure of control over the process. The parties have the ability to determine when and where they mediate their dispute. They can also decide the format and even select their mediator.
Our Roswell attorneys can help you determine whether mediation is right for your situation.
Call a Roswell Mediation Attorney Today
If you are facing the breakdown of your marriage or another family legal dispute, you could benefit from protecting your privacy and avoiding costly delays by working with a Roswell mediation lawyer.
Call our firm today to learn more.
