Mediation
What is mediation?
Mediation is a process during which a neutral, third-party mediator facilitates the negotiations of agreements between divorcing parties in a non-adversarial setting. Mediation avoids the stress and adversarial nature of going to court. Mediation is effective for:
- Divorce
- Equitable Distribution of Property
- Custody
- Retirement Distribution
- Support of Children
- Post-nuptial Agreements
Mediation is quickly becoming a popular form of dispute resolution.
Mediation is becoming one of the more popular forms of resolving family law matters. Mediation may offer lower costs and always offers both parties more control in determining the outcome for finances of families. Mediation can be less emotionally draining than an adversarial divorce process involving separate legal representation.
Mediation is a collaborative solution.
We are committed to working together to create an agreement in your family’s best interests and provide services at an affordable price. We will work with both parties to come to the best solution.
How exactly does mediation work?
Mediation works by giving the parties autonomy to decide what financial distribution and/or custody schedules works best for them. The mediator can provide both parties with legal information that may impact the decisions being made throughout the divorce process and will provide guidance in discussions.
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
~Winston Churchill
Why should we choose mediation over litigation?
Mediation is almost always less expensive than litigating. Additionally, mediation usually provides for a more direct resolution of the issues. Most importantly, mediation provides parties with autonomy that litigation does not provide, and allows parties to move forward with their lives in a peaceful manner. Parties with children will need to preserve a co-parenting relationship, and moving forward without acrimony is crucial to this process.
How long does mediation take?
A simple and/or amicable divorce can be resolved through mediation within a matter of months. Commitment of both parties will result in a shorter process. If the parties devote adequate time to creating agreements and meeting filing deadlines, it will help expedite the process of finalizing the divorce and settlement agreement.
Can a lawyer mediate for both parties?
Yes. While mediation involves additional skills and training that not every lawyer has developed, we have invested time and effort in expanding our expertise in this area. A family lawyer knows the “ins and outs” of divorce, equitable distribution, custody, and support negotiations. However, by serving as the mediator for both parties, the lawyer is conflicted from representing either party individually, should the divorce require litigation in the future. While we will assist you throughout the process, you will be filing your documents with the court on your own behalf.
“Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.”
~Ronald Reagan
Should I retain a lawyer?
At any point, you may choose to retain an independent attorney to discuss your case or to review your final settlement documents. You have no obligation to do so but you have the option to do so. Hiring an independent attorney would be an expense not covered in our services.
Schedule a Consult with a Divorce Attorney Now
Our Main Line divorce lawyers have represented hundreds of Montgomery County and Chester County family law clients. We believe we are different from many other Main Line, Montgomery County family law attorneys and Chester County family law attorneys.
Our Main Line family law and divorce lawyers can be contacted via email, or please call the Law Offices of Jennifer J. Riley at 215-283-5080.
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