If you and your partner have decided to divorce and you are wondering whether mediation might be an option to pursue, one big question you may have is whether it is an effective way to settle the terms of your divorce. You may be surprised to learn that the Minnesota courts actually recommend that all couples attempt an alternative dispute resolution technique (like mediation) before pursuing litigation, or a court battle.
When you navigate your divorce using the traditional court system, you are locked into a place that your attorneys can control and the decision(s) are made by the judge. This can be emotionally taxing for both you and your divorcing spouse. When you litigate your divorce, you have very little control over the most important decisions related to your divorce that impact your future. It is important to realize that you do have choices when it comes to how to settle your divorce. AMS Mediation offers a wide variety of divorce support services that can help you through this difficult time with less overall stress, time and financial burden.
One of the primary benefits of settling your divorce using mediation is that it lays the groundwork to make any additional necessary changes after your divorce is final. When you initially settle the important terms of your divorce such as how to equitably divide your property and how to structure your child custody agreement, you have no real way of knowing what the future holds.
Child custody evaluations occur frequently when custody is in question for divorcing couples, and AMS Mediation is uniquely qualified to help you through this process. Even though custody evaluations are used to ensure that the needs of your children are met, the process can still produce stress and anxiety for divorcing parents. In general, a child custody evaluation is a process by which a mental health professional evaluates the parents and children, and then makes a recommendation to the court regarding custody and visitation.
Divorce can leave you feeling overwhelmed, sad and like your life is out of control. Your sense of normal shifts quickly as you consider separating your joint possessions and perhaps moving your family. You may feel specific stress over explaining this major life change to your children and your other family members. Traditional litigation only compounds this sense of chaos, as you are forced
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
