Mediation
While going to court seems like the most common and often necessary option in divorce hearings, mediation can solve many issues. At the very least, divorce hearings are often easier by going through mediation first. Dealing with anything in court, especially a divorce, can feel like a battle with winners and losers, but that’s not the goal of a divorce. Mediation reminds both parties that everyone is on the same side and should be working toward a solution that benefits everyone. It’s often the best route for families, that’s why family lawyers in Orlando are often willing to assist with mediation efforts.
Orlando Mediation
The goal of an attorney should be to avoid trial and minimize fees so that your problems can be resolved quickly and economically. Family attorneys can help you to divide your assets and liabilities, create a parenting plan that is in your best interest, and establish spousal and child support, if necessary.
Florida family law lawyers are skilled litigators. If parties cannot agree on settlement terms, our Florida attorneys will represent you in court.
What Is Mediation
Mediation is often used first to list all points that the two parties already agree upon and the points they do not. Understanding where you agree is just as important as understanding what you still need to work out. The mediator will then guide the discussion to work towards solutions for the point where you don’t agree to find mutually beneficial solutions. The goal is compromise, not victory. If compromises can’t be made, an Orlando divorce attorney can help you reach an agreement before taking the matter to court.
In addition to being more peaceful, a huge upside of mediation is that it is always far less expensive than going to court. The agreements made in divorce proceedings can often be costly for both parties, making mediation an ideal way to save as much money as possible.
There is also more privacy in mediation. Whatever happens in mediation stays between you, your former spouse, the mediator, and any lawyers present. In contrast, court proceedings are recorded and made publicly available.
Arranging Mediation
mediation isn’t always the best solution. If the marriage was abusive or one party still wants to resolve the marriage, it may be impossible to come to a peaceful conclusion without a court order. In addition, if you cannot come to an agreement, even with the help of a family lawyer in Orlando, Florida, it will be necessary to finish the matter in court.
Mediation happens outside of a court, with a mediator instead of a judge. However, any agreements made in mediation are just as legally enforceable as judgments passed in a divorce court. The role of a mediator is to ensure fairness and order during discussions between both parties, not to tell them what to do.
The cost of a family law attorney varies and may come in the form of an hourly rate or retainer. For more information, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our family law attorneys.
Divorce is simply a subset of family law. Therefore, a divorce attorney is a family law attorney who handles divorce cases, among other family law matters. In divorce matters, each party typically hires their own attorney to negotiate on their behalf.
It is essential to involve a family law attorney early in the process when undergoing family law matters. A family law attorney will serve as your advocate and ensure you are well represented, especially if litigation become necessary.
Family law attorneys specialize in issues that have an impact on families. These include divorce proceedings, paternity, child custody, child support and adoptions, among others.
