Largo Mediation Lawyer
Do you and your spouse still have a strong enough relationship to talk and reason together under certain conditions, but a do-it-yourself divorce is beyond your reach? A mediated divorce is somewhere between a do-it-yourself and a litigated divorce—it requires a certain level of compromise and communication, which is helped along by a mediator. A mediator is an impartial third party, usually a retired judge or attorney, who helps lead two parties to a mutually beneficial compromise. During mediation, you do need an attorney, but stressful, time-consuming court appearances during which your attorney makes your case in front of the court are not necessary. In fact, litigation can take months or years to settle, according to Huffington Post. Mediation seeks to avoid the courtroom and judge all together, allowing you and your spouse to have the final say in how assets are divided, how parenting plans are created, and how spousal support and other divorce matters are settled.
How Mediation Works
A traditional litigated divorce works as such: your attorney makes an argument on your behalf, the other spouse’s attorney makes an argument on their behalf, and eventually the matter is settled by a judge. This courtroom process is expensive, time consuming, does not work into your schedule, is on the public record, stressful, and is a bit like gambling—your future is placed in the hands of chance as you do not know if the judge will side with you or your spouse, if the judgement will be fair or biased. Mediation works completely different than a litigated divorce. Instead of happening in a courtroom in front of a judge, mediation takes place in a conference room with you, your attorney, and a mediator who goes back and forth between your room and the room containing your spouse and their attorney. Sometimes both parties will be in the same room during mediation. You, your spouse, and your attorneys make your voices heard, and the mediator works to settle differences and reach a compromise. No final decision has to be made after the day is done. You have the choice to sign documents if an agreeable solution is found, or you can choose to refuse and try another day, or take the divorce to litigation.
What is There to Lose During Mediation?
There is little to be lost during mediation other than your time, but if it works out, the amount of time, effort, and money (a litigated divorce that goes to trial easily costs $32,000 whereas mediation only costs up to $2,500 according to Huffington Post) that you will have saved is enormous compared to a litigated divorce. However, there are some scenarios where mediation may not be the right choice for you:
- The marriage entailed domestic abuse;
- One of the spouses is controlling or overbearing;
- The marriage entailed drug or alcohol abuse;
- One of the spouses may have hidden assets; and
- The spouses cannot keep from shouting, arguing, or yelling insults.
A Largo Mediation Lawyer Is Here to Help
A mediated divorce may be right for you. To find out more, contact the Largo mediation attorneys of Cairns Law today at 727-683-1472. We will help you reach a beneficial outcome at a fraction of the price, time, and emotional toll that a litigated divorce would take.
