What is family law mediation, and how does it work?
Answer:
Mediation is a process in which a neutral helps parties discuss disputed issues and seek a voluntary agreement. Family-law mediation may address custody, support, property, and debts. Applicable rules and exceptions determine when participation is required, and any family-court agreement must be submitted for approval.
Family-law mediation gives parties an opportunity to resolve disagreements by agreement with help from a neutral mediator. Many contested domestic-relations issues are subject to court-ordered ADR, with exceptions and other options under the applicable rules.
Our attorney identifies custody, visitation, child support, alimony, property, and debts as examples of issues that may need resolution. Discussing them together can help the parties explore a workable overall arrangement.
Mediation may allow creative proposals tailored to the family, but an agreement must still meet legal requirements. In family court, the parties are responsible for seeking court approval of their agreement.
A successful resolution may reduce trial preparation, expense, and stress. A family law mediator helps facilitate the discussion, while each party decides whether to accept proposed terms with appropriate advice from counsel.