When you and your spouse decide to file for divorce, there are many big
decisions you have to make in a somewhat short period of time. If you
share children, your priority is probably to make sure that they leave
the divorce process as unscathed as possible. Even years after your separation
or divorce, it could still be difficult to resolve certain
child support and
custody problems without also putting your kids through additional strain. But,
if you choose to
divorce or settle other
family law matters through
mediation, it could minimize conflict, reduce stress, and allow you more time with
your children.
If you are interested in using mediation as an alternative to traditional
courtroom battles, find out more about the mediation process and discover
how it could help your kids.
How Does Mediation Work?
Mediation is an effective way for spouses to handle their divorce peacefully
and without court interference. It can also be used to settle other family
law matters out of court, including issues related to child custody, child
support, and
spousal support. Through mediation, both parties are encouraged to work together to negotiate
a peaceful resolution that benefits both parties, rather than undercutting
one another. Each party often enters mediation with their own divorce
or family law attorneys to protect and advocate for their interests.
The two parties can discuss potential resolutions for the issue at hand,
but the mediator will help offer additional negotiation tactics and potential
resolutions when they seem out of reach. The mediator does not work for
either party, so they remain unbiased and offer an outside perspective
with all of the legal expertise of an attorney.
The Benefits & Effects on Your Children
Minimizing Conflict
Couples or parents who meet to discuss their divorce, child custody, or
child support issue through mediation are always encouraged to remain
civil and to work together towards a common goal. This helps to foster
amicable relationships between parents, rather than pitting them against
one another, as litigation often does. When the parents get along and
do not fight, it improves difficult situations for everyone involved,
especially the children. Preserving a healthy relationship as parents
can make it infinitely easier for you to make joint decisions about your
child and focus on their welfare, rather than any bad feelings or difficult tensions.
Affordable and Time-Saving
Mediation can also be more affordable than litigation and often takes less
time. This allows parents more time with their children and enables them
to provide their kids with the attention and focus they need.
Parents Retain Control
Additionally, mediation leaves all control in the hands of the parents.
That is to say, the parents are in charge of all negotiations, and if
they do not agree with any suggested resolutions, they can continue meeting
until they are both completely satisfied with their compromise. In court,
each party presents their case to the judge, who has the ultimate say
in how the conflict will be resolved, regardless of the feelings of either
side. So, if you wish to remain in control of how your child is parented,
provided for, and raised, mediation is your best bet.
Preserves Privacy
Mediation is also a very private matter. Court dates are a matter of public
record, which means your divorce proceedings, child custody modifications,
or other court issues could be accessible by anyone. You could make special
requests to have these records sealed, but if you chose mediation, you
wouldn’t need to. Mediation keeps all information private, and only
clients’ attorneys and their mediator will know what was said or
discussed in the meetings.
Are you interested in using mediation to resolve your divorce, child custody,
or child support issue? Contact the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
to discuss your family law case with our Houston divorce lawyers.