| When most people file divorce papers, they assume | | | | can provide you with advice and recommendations |
| that they will have to appear in divorce court and | | | | during every step of the way, starting with the filing of |
| undergo a lengthy litigation dispute over the division of | | | | divorce papers and concluding with the dissolution of |
| assets, child custody and alimony. In many cases, | | | | your marriage. |
| especially those where both parties wish to resolve | | | | As mentioned earlier in this article, divorce mediation |
| the legalities in a quick and amicable manner, divorce | | | | may be a less expensive process than a divorce |
| mediation may be the answer. As the name implies, | | | | court proceeding. If a case proceeds to trial, your |
| divorce mediation involves a neutral third-party who | | | | divorce attorney will spend hours of time in preparation, |
| oversees the agreement between the husband and | | | | discovery and will be required to take depositions. |
| wife relating to the terms of their divorce. | | | | Time is money and, in this case, the old saying has |
| Couples who decide to undergo divorce mediation as | | | | never been more true. The more hours your divorce |
| opposed to having their case tried in divorce court will | | | | lawyer spends on your case, the more you will likely |
| save both time and money as the litigation process | | | | pay in attorney fees. A divorce mediation, on the other |
| can be both lengthy and complex. A divorce mediation | | | | hand, will result in less hours of research and work for |
| is a much more casual and friendly setting and, in | | | | your divorce attorney, which means a lower cost for |
| some cases, both parties may even walk away on | | | | you. A divorce is an expensive process, but there are |
| better terms than if the case were to proceed to trial. | | | | ways to keep the fees at a minimum. During divorce |
| Depending on the nature and complexity of the case, | | | | mediation, both parties can resolve all issues both |
| divorce mediation can often be completed in less than | | | | legally and effectively and without having to deal with |
| one month. In order for this to occur, both parties must | | | | the lengthy and expensive litigation process. |
| be cooperative throughout the discovery process and | | | | At the conclusion of a divorce mediation, the divorce |
| must be able to schedule regular mediation | | | | attorneys for both parties will review any/all |
| appointments. | | | | documents that require signatures and will advise their |
| With that being said, it's important to note that although | | | | client to sign documents relating to the agreements |
| informal, a divorce mediation is very much a legal | | | | reached during mediation. Once all paperwork has |
| process and should be taken seriously. The mediator | | | | been signed, including that which relates to child |
| will serve as a neutral party, which means that both | | | | custody, alimony and the division of assets, a court |
| you and your spouse may wish to seek the | | | | date will be scheduled for the final divorce hearing. |
| independent representation of a divorce attorney who | | | | The information contained in this article is designed to |
| specializes in these types of cases. Whether you | | | | be used for reference purposes only. It should not be |
| prefer advice on divorce or actually desire the | | | | used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional |
| presence of a licensed divorce attorney during the | | | | legal advice regarding divorce, child custody, alimony |
| actual mediation process, it is important that you | | | | and/or divorce laws. If you are in need of divorce |
| understand your legal rights and are equipped with the | | | | advice or are considering a marriage separation, |
| knowledge of local divorce laws in your area when | | | | consult with a professional divorce lawyer in your area |
| entering into mediation. A professional divorce lawyer | | | | for further information and/or divorce advice. |