Making the decision to leave your spouse may be the hardest thing you ever do. Not only is divorce emotional, but it can be legally complex. What’s more, conflict and disagreement throughout the process that leads to divorce litigation can only exacerbate feelings of exasperation. At the Law Office of Heather M. Ward, we believe that divorce mediation can be a great alternative to litigation. To learn more about divorce mediation, call our law firm today.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process that involves parties to a divorce working with a neutral, third-party mediator to find a resolution that all parties are satisfied with. During mediation, both sides will not only have a chance to present what they want and why, but will also have an opportunity to reach compromise. The mediator will facilitate the discussion and negotiations, help to determine common interests, and will work with parties to explore settlement options.
What Issues Can Be Mediated in a Divorce?
During a divorce mediation, nearly all topics related to a divorce are on the table, including:
- Property division
- Debt division
- Spouse support
- Child custody
These issues can be highly contentious, so working with your spouse to resolve them alongside a mediator is a great way to avoid the courtroom.
Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation: The Benefits
For couples who are able to maintain civility with one another, divorce mediation is a great option. The advantages of divorce mediation often include:
- Mediation is a far cheaper option than litigation
- Mediation is much faster—your case will very likely be resolved quicker than it would be if you litigated it
- Mediation can be empowering—you have control over the outcome
- Mediation may be a win-win for all parties, ensuring that everyone gets a piece of what they want
- Mediation can help to mitigate conflict and tension, something that can be important for parents of children
- Mediation is private and confidential—if you end up going to trial, nothing that happened during mediation will be disclosed
- The results of a mediation are legally binding as soon as submitted to the court and approved by the judge
- If you want to pull out of mediation at any time and have a trial before a judge, you have the right to do this
Call Attorney Heather M. Ward Today to Learn More About Divorce Mediation in MA
Finding solutions for resolving a divorce as quickly and as amicably as possible is often a top priority for divorcing couples. While your case is unique, mediation is almost always a great alternative to litigation that will save you time, money, and stress. At the Law Office of Heather M. Ward, our divorce lawyer can provide representation throughout the process, explain how the law works, and review a final settlement agreement before you sign anything. To learn more about how divorce mediation works or to schedule your consultation with our Massachusetts family law attorney, call (617) 903-8955 or send us a message online to get started.