Mediation Benefits

=If you are facing a divorce, negotiating terms between yourselves, without the court’s intervention, is likely a priority. Few people choose to hand over their decision-making authority to a stranger in a judge’s robe, and there is good reason for taking this stance. While you and your divorcing spouse may be miles apart on every term that applies to your case, mediation can help, and it’s difficult to overstate the benefits derived. Turn to our experienced Manassas, VA, divorce mediation attorneys at Bristle Schulze for the help you need.

If Any Divorce Term Becomes a Sticking Point

If you and your divorcing spouse are unable to resolve even one divorce term, it can mean a contested divorce, which is a case that goes to court. When it comes to negotiating the terms of divorce, however, you have options. One of the most important is looking to your seasoned divorce lawyer for well-considered strategic advice. And if negotiations between you and your soon-to-be ex stall, mediation may be the next step.

The terms of divorce in Virginia include all the following, and any one of them can prove exceptionally challenging:

• Child custody arrangements, including both legal and physical custody
• Child support
• The equitable division of marital property
• Alimony

These represent your rights as a parent as well as your financial rights, which makes them of primary importance.

The Mediation Process

The mediation process itself is voluntary and confidential. By the time a couple reaches the stage of mediation, they tend to be very motivated to forge a settlement, which ensures they won’t need the court’s direct input regarding their terms. Further, Virginia courts sometimes require mediation prior to hearing cases, especially when the unresolved term is child custody.

The Mediator’s Role

At mediation, you, your spouse, and your respective divorce lawyers will come together with a professional mediator. They serve in the role of a neutral third party, and while they are not there to force anything on you or to make decisions on your behalf, they will guide the proceedings.

The goal is to help the two of you hammer out compromises, which generally means building on whatever agreements you’ve reached so far. The more documentation you have supporting your position, the stronger it will be. The mediator can help both of you gain a better understanding of how the law applies to your case, which can help move the needle in terms of negotiations.

The Primary Benefits of Mediation

There are many benefits that go along with successful divorce mediation, including each of the following:

• It is a less costly and less time-consuming process than litigation.
• It affords you more privacy than litigation.
• It is generally less emotionally charged for everyone involved, including your children.
• It allows you to make primary decisions that will directly affect your future between yourselves.

Mediation is only legally binding if both parties sign off on the negotiated terms.

Seek Legal Guidance from Our Experienced Manassas Divorce Mediation Lawyers

Our resourceful Manassas divorce mediation attorneys at Bristle Schulze have the legal skill and savvy to help you negotiate optimal divorce terms through mediation, which comes with a wide range of benefits. Learn more by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 703-454-0701 today.