Going through a separation or divorce where you are wanting to keep the decision making in your hands rather than the courts? Divorce mediation is an alternative to the courtroom setting that allows you and your separated or divorced spouse to make agreed upon decisions regarding all things around a break up including children and finances. AMS Mediation is a Minnesota based mediation firm that offers divorce mediation at an affordable price. Before you decide on whether your separation or divorce will be handled through mediation or in the courtroom, it is important that you understand the FAQ’s behind divorce mediation.
The FAQ’s About Divorce Mediation
- Mediator’s Responsibilities – Serving as an unbiased third party, a divorce mediator helps couples come to a fair agreement on the big issues around a divorce. Providing information about the Minnesota laws and ensuring that both sides get equal amount of time to speak are other responsibilities of a mediator.
- The Process – Most divorce mediation sessions last about 1-2 hours. The first session is used to determine the issues that need to be addressed, and their priority. The additional sessions focus on moving forward and coming to fair decisions with everyone’s best interests in mind. Lastly, an agreement is drafted by the mediator for review by the couples and their attorneys if applicable.
- Filing – Your attorney will file the agreed upon paperwork with the court system. You will not have to appear in court when using divorce mediation.
- Length of Time – The amount of time divorce mediation takes depends on how intense your disagreements are. Typically, there are 3 to 4 sessions lasting 1-2 hours each.
- Cheaper – Keep that money in your pocket with divorce mediation! A courtroom based divorce usually costs 2 to 10 times more than divorce mediation, not to mention the courtroom is mentally more draining as well.
- Enforceable – Once the mediation agreement is signed by both sides and filed in court, the agreement is just as enforceable as a courtroom centered divorce.
- Protection – If you fear that your spouse may try and bully you during mediation, you do not need to worry. The mediator will ensure that both sides are on even playing fields and that one side does not overpower the other.
- Use of an Attorney – Mediation does not replace the use of an Attorney. We do encourage you to seek legal advice during mediation because the mediator cannot give either side legal advice.
- Too Difficult for Mediation – There is no such thing as a case that is too difficult for divorce mediation. Our dedicated team thrives in difficult situations, so we encourage you to bring your situation forward.
- Can’t Agree – If there are issues that you cannot come to an agreement on, the mediation agreement will address the one’s that you can agree on, and you can handle the rest in court.
- Don’t Get Along – It is ok if you and your spouse don’t get along. Our mediators are trained to handle these types of situations and provide the resources to handle the discussions peacefully.
So, consider these facts and determine if divorce mediation is right for you. If so, team up with AMS Mediation today! If you live in Minnesota, give us a call at (952) 252-1492 to set up a free consultation.
