Orlando Family Law Mediation Attorney
When it comes to family law, there are a lot of issues involved. Many of these involve issues with children, such as custody, visitation, and support.
It can be hard for spouses to decide on these issues on their own. Sometimes they need a little help in this regard. Mediation can be a huge help.
Mediation uses a neutral third party to help a couple negotiate and resolve their issues. Mediation is done outside the courtroom, saving time and money on divorce costs.
Is it right for you? Orlando family law mediation attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law helps explain the process so you know what to expect.
What Can Mediation Do?
Mediation is done in a private, confidential setting. While mediators have a legal background, they cannot give legal advice. They can, however, help the parties communicate by doing the following:
- Identifying the issues that need to be resolved
- Prioritizing the issues
- Discussing possible solutions
- Agreeing on parenting plans and financial issues
- Reviewing and preparing the agreement for signing
Pros and Cons of Mediation
Family law mediation comes with many benefits, such as the following:
- More control. The spouses are in control of the final outcome, not a judge.
- Costs less. Mediation is less expensive than litigating the divorce in a courtroom.
- Less time-consuming. Battling out family law issues in court takes a lot of time. With the courts so busy, a lot of this time is spent waiting for court hearings.
- More confidentiality. Mediation is totally confidential, unlike a court case, which is public knowledge and easily searchable.
Mediation, however, is not right for everyone and can have some downsides, including the following:
- No lawyer is required. Mediators cannot give legal advice, so if you want legal help, you’ll have to hire your own lawyer. This can make mediation more expensive than you expected.
- No formal rules. Mediation is informal, unlike a courtroom, so you need to be able to go with the flow. If you prefer formality, meditation is not for you.
- Requires negotiation. Ideally, you should have an amicable relationship with your spouse before attempting mediation. If one of you is unwilling to budge on anything, it could delay the process.
- Could be costly. If you or your spouse like to take your time on decisions, then mediation could end up being more expensive than going to court. Mediators are paid by the hour and the goal is to make quick decisions. The longer you take, the more you pay.
Contact Us Today
Mediation can be a great way to resolve your family law matter. However, there are situations in which it may not be helpful and could end up taking more time and money.
Is it right for you? Orlando family law mediation attorney Steve W. Marsee, P.A. Attorney at Law can help you understand the pros and cons of mediation. To schedule a consultation, call 407-521-7171 or fill out the online form.
