Why choose mediation?

You have probably heard the term “mediation” before, but you may not know much about the process or whether it may be a good fit for your family law situation. Hopefully, this post will help clear up those ambiguities.

What is mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is growing in popularity in Louisiana and the rest of the country. It is commonly used in child custody and co-parenting issues, but it can also apply to divorce matters such as property division.

What are the benefits of mediation?

Mediation is an alternative to litigation, and it may be used as a way to avoid going to court to settle your dispute. There are several benefits of choosing mediation over litigation, including that mediation is usually much less expensive than going to court and it can be emotionally healthier for everyone involved, including children.

Because of the benefits of mediation, some judges order parties to try mediation before they will hear a custody trial.

How does mediation work?

What happens is the parties to a divorce or custody matter meet with a neutral third-party (the mediator) who facilitates the conversation. The parties then negotiate while the mediator keeps them on track and helps them to get through stalemates that are encountered.

Is mediation right for me?

Mediation is an excellent choice for parents who are working through custody matters. It can help the parents set aside their differences and focus on what is best for their children. It also allows parents to work together to get through disagreements, which is an important skill to learn for co-parenting.

Mediation can also be very effective for revisiting child custody matters that arise as they children grow older, such as updating a parenting plan or visitation schedule.

Finally, mediation can also be effective at settling divorce issues such as community property division and alimony in a less expensive and more collaborative environment.

Still have questions? Keep reading about mediation on our website or call our Baton Rouge law office today.