At Heather L. Nelson Law, S.C., we offer mediation services to those who are interested in resolving their family law matters through private, cooperative negotiations instead of going through Court. Mediation is an effective and affordable alternative to traditional litigation.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral attorney (mediator) facilitates a discussion and negotiation between parties with the ultimate goal of reaching a resolution of all issues in a divorce, custody/placement action, post judgment, or other financial matter.
The parties that are able to reach an agreement through mediation often have a lower chance of returning to court because they created an agreement that was specifically tailored to their individual needs.
As your mediator, Attorney Heather L. Nelson will guide you through your family law action, so you know what to expect, what needs to be accomplished, and will draft all legal documents.
Benefits of Mediation
Meditation is an affordable alternative to traditional litigation that allows for creative solutions. Court can be a drawn out, stressful process. In mediation, you are in control of the outcome of your case, thereby reducing the stress of what to expect.
The benefits of mediation include:
- Certainty: You decide your resolution instead of leaving it to the discretion of a Judge.
- Affordable: Mediation is often less expensive and faster than the unpredictable costs of litigation.
- Confidential: Discussions during mediation are confidential and cannot be used in Court. This promotes the free flow of information in a safe environment.
- Preserving Relationships: Mediation encourages parties to work together for the restructuring of their family.
- Creative Solutions: Mediation allows you reach agreements on terms that are specific to your individual family.
Length of Mediation
The length of mediation varies on a case-to-case basis but can be as long or as short as the parties
determine is necessary to negotiate a full and fair agreement.
What Happens When We Reach an Agreement?
If an agreement is reached in mediation, your mediator will prepare the legal document stating the terms of the agreement. Once the agreement is signed by both parties, the mediator will file the document with the Court.
What if We Cannot Reach an Agreement?
If an agreement is not reached, the parties will have to litigate the disputed issue in Court. If litigation is necessary in your case, nothing said or negotiated during mediation can be used in Court.
Can the Mediator Represent One Party if We Go to Court?
A mediator cannot represent either party in Court.
Can My Spouse and I Use the Same Lawyer?
In mediation, the mediator remains a neutral attorney that provides both parties with legal education but not advice. The mediator provides both parties with the knowledge and tools to create an agreement that works with their family.
As your mediator, Attorney Heather Nelson can draft all legal documents and file them with the Court but cannot represent either party in Court.
Mediation is a positive way to resolve your family law matter, whether you are going through a divorce, child custody/placement action, child support action, post judgment action, or other financial matter. At Heather L. Nelson Law, S.C., we work to create a comfortable, compassionate environment for our clients. We work closely with the parties to reach an agreeable resolution, saving them time and money.
If you would like more information on mediation for your family law, divorce, child custody/placement or financial issue, contact Heather L. Nelson Law, S.C. today to schedule your free consultation. We also offer virtual consultations and mediation sessions.