Mediation is a process in which opposing parties involved in a divorce or custody dispute can reach a common settlement with the guidance of a professional mediator. Mediation has been found to be a more practical and less stressful alternative to litigation because of the following reasons.
Divorce mediation is much less expensive compared to litigation. A drawn court battle depletes the finances of the parties concerned
considerably.
The mediator cannot decide the fate of the parties' settlement or custody. His role is to help the couple come to a mutually suitable settlement of their finances, child custody and other day-to-day issues. Mediation can also be employed be unmarried or same sex couples for divorce, custody, child support and property issues. Thus the ultimate agreement is decided by the parties concerned rather than by a judge or arbitrator who is a stranger to their concerns.
Mediation is more respectable and private compared to a public courtroom where details of the couple's finances, children and other issues are aired in public.
A professional mediator is sensitive to the couple's issues and helps them to reach an agreement tailored to their family's needs. Persons seeking mediation are expected to be fully transparent to the mediator so that a workable solution is found. In case the couple has employed an attorney, the mediator works in tandem with him to understand all the aspects of the case.
Divorce mediation or custody mediation in Los Angeles in most cases also involves a mental health professional and a legal expert, who support the couple and children involved, if any, with their legal and emotional issues.
Custody mediation is a very sought after option mainly because of the fact that it is much less painful for the children involved. The couple can amicably work out the visitation rights, legal custody, vacation schedule and other needs of their children keeping in mind the best interests of the children. Custody mediation in Los Angeles has found to result in a much lesser chance of parents going to court again. Mediators help parents take the best decisions concerning children after careful study of all the background information of the case.
Mediation can also be used to modify existing spousal support, child custody or support and property issues which may need to be evaluated and changed with time.
Thus while Family Court undoubtedly helps and protects people in disputes, mediation might be a positive alternative for people who are ready to settle in a peaceful manner.
Family law mediation helps people to separate in a less traumatic manner and helps parents maintain a better interaction for the benefit of their children. Mediation can be designed according to the couple's requirements and resources compared to the 'one fit' settlement imposed by the judicial system. The legal documentation is also handled by the mediator. More than anything mediation results in a win-win situation for both the parties and helps them resume their normal life after separation.
