What is Mediation?
Many clients are hesitant to choose mediation over litigation. In Carmel and around central Indiana, mediating your separation, dissolution, child custody or child support case can be a better option because it allows you input in the process and can be a cheaper option.
When you choose to present your case to a judge, it involves each party making their case and leaving the decision up to the judge. In the vast majority of cases, there is no clear “winner”
and “loser” in this scenario. The judge will consider all of the arguments, and return with a decision somewhere in the middle.
You have little input on the decision-making process. Some points may be very important to you, while others might be easy to compromise on. The judge gives this no consideration. Why leave these decisions to a third party?
A mediator is a neutral third party who helps to resolve all issues, but will not make any decisions or force a compromise. A mediator collaboratively with both sides. The mediator is usually an experienced attorney who understands how the courts view your case and the decisions a judge would make. Mediation can be done with lawyers representing both sides, or it can be done Pro Se, where each client represents himself/herself. In either case, mediation is a more collaborative process that, in most cases, leads to better results and longer-lasting parenting time orders.
A mediator can be a very cost-effective option. Many lawyers in central Indiana offer mediation services and the prices have dropped significantly over the last several years. We have excellent mediators in our area who will work hard to find a fair compromise for both parties.
If you have a family law case and are considering litigation, take a moment to discuss mediation with your attorney and the other parties involved.It isn’t for every case, but in many cases it can lead to lower costs and better outcomes for all parties.