Are You Better Off With A Mediator?

If you are going through a divorce, you have options when it comes to your representation. You can choose to get an attorney, as will your spouse, and go to court over the details. Or, you can come together jointly and hire a mediator. Mediators and attorneys have different roles so it?s important to understand the details before you make a final decision.

Mediators Versus Attorneys

Attorneys fight for the sole interest of their client. They will talk about court and how to get the best results for the client they represent. Of course, your spouse?s lawyer will be doing the same. This most often results in a prolonged and usually expensive battle, before any possible settlement is arrived at. On the other hand, mediators don?t take sides. They sit in the middle of the conflict, encouraging both parties to communicate their concerns and seek solutions that can be accepted by both sides. Mediators attempt to get both parties to find agreement in an efficient manner. In mediation, you speak for yourself while consulting as needed with legal counsel.

What Does Mediation Provide Over Attorney Representation?

There are many things you can get from a mediator that you might not receive from an attorney. As you move forward with your divorce, you might want to be familiar with those items so you can decide if mediation is right for you.

Privacy

Courts are public places and the documents that come from them will be public as well. While there can be closed proceedings, it?s rare. Mediation, on the other hand, is confidential and you are able to keep your private life out of the public view.

Creativity

Judges and attorneys have to follow certain rules and go by the laws within the state. They are limited as to how far they can go. A mediator, on the other hand, can give you more creative approaches to your problems. Judges won?t think in creative manners just to make you happy. They see things in black and white and sometimes, the best solutions aren?t even available within the courtroom.

Smaller Costs

When you have to pay two attorneys and for court time and so on, there are a lot of bills involved. Mediation involves paying for one person and can reduce the complexity, time, and cost of the case. If you are able to reach a settlement outside of court, there will be much smaller costs involved.

Faster Results

It can take quite some time to get on a court?s docket, but mediation can be worked out faster, depending on how much you have to agree upon. There won?t be month-long delays or postponements when you work with a mediator.

Getting The Right Mediator

If you are in the process of getting a divorce, consider hiring a mediator instead of an attorney for each side. Contact South Bay Mediation with your questions or to look into rates and other mediation details. We can help with child custody agreements and other items that divorce often involves to help both parties get something they can live with.