If you are considering a divorce, you have likely heard the term “alternative dispute resolution”. The Minnesota courts and many divorce attorneys will actually recommend that couples try an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) technique before proceeding through the court system. An alternative dispute resolution service can be used to settle the terms of a divorce, a child custody agreement and/or an agreement for
It is not uncommon in the United States for couples who know their marriage is failing to decide that it is better to stay together because they have children. In many ways, the drive to stay together in a marriage that is not working is admirable. It is an indication of commitment to the little people who have added purpose and meaning to their parents’ lives. But, for the vast majority of those couples, staying together in a marriage that is a marriage in name only is untenable and can sometimes be unhealthy. AMS Mediation can help couples in such situations by building on the love they have for the children and easing them into the next chapter of their lives.
As is true with many things in our life, divorce is one of those things that we simply do not know a lot about if we have never experienced it. We may think that we understand the process, from what we have heard from friends, or read online, but that is certainly not the full story. With divorce, people tend to think that a couple reaches a decision that their relationship is over, and divorce is like a scalpel that separates one spouse from the other. Divorce may be the end of your marriage, but it is also the beginning of a new phase of your relationship. For this reason (and many others), mediation is an efficient and effective resource to help you resolve the terms of your divorce. Mediation lays a strong foundation for the relationship you will need to develop after your divorce is final
Many people assume that settling the terms of a divorce has to take many months to complete. Of course, that can be true, especially if you and your spouse decide to hire divorce attorneys and take your divorce to the traditional court system. However, because of several factors, including that the court system in Minnesota is significantly backed up, it can take an extensive period of time to align the schedules of the court with your respective attorneys. This long process can create more stress (emotional and financial), more anxiety, and even more conflict between you and your ex. This process can last anywhere from six months to two years. During that time, it can be difficult to move forward with your separate lives
Divorce mediation is recommended by the court system over a court battle (called litigation). If you are a Minnesota couple that has made the decision to use mediation for divorce, here are 5 tips that can help you get the process started:
1. Create detailed lists: So, one large part of the mediation process is determining how to fairly split all of the property that you share
As a leader in divorce mediation in Minnesota, we often get questions about how the process works and whether the process can work for even a complex divorce. We have compiled a list of the most common questions we get about divorce mediation and our answers so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with the process. You may also give us a call for answers to any questions you may have.
The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.
We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.
Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.
We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant
