As a divorce mediator in Skokie, I frequently get asked by clients if divorce mediation is right for them. Divorce mediation has been used for years to help people arrive at a solution that works for them. It’s a way to resolve conflict in an amicable manner, rather than resorting to litigation or other adversarial proceedings. Mediators help couples work through their issues by listening and facilitating communication. They can also provide unbiased information about options available to the divorcing couple, including financial matters like spousal support and child custody arrangements. If those aspects of a divorce sound beneficial, then divorce mediation may be right for you.
How Does Divorce Mediation Work?
Divorce mediation is a way to settle a divorce without going to court. It is an alternative to divorce litigation, where the parties are represented by their own lawyers and present their cases in front of a judge. In mediation, there are no lawyers and you will be guided through the process by your own mediator who offers advice as needed.
In the vast majority of cases, a divorce mediator in Skokie will act as a neutral third party who helps you and your soon-to-be ex reach an agreement on all issues related to your divorce.
The most common types of agreements involve:
- spousal support (both temporary and permanent)
- child custody
- visitation rights
- decisions about education or religion for children
- tax consequences (such as deductions for mortgage interest payments)
- division of property and debts acquired during marriage (including credit card debt)
The divorce mediator in Skokie will also help you understand your legal rights and options under the law. In many cases, this can be useful because it can provide clarity on what you are entitled to within the context of your marriage (for example, if one spouse earned money while they were married or received a bonus).
What Are The Benefits Of Divorce Mediation?
One of the benefits of mediation is that it’s a faster and cheaper alternative to court. Mediation also offers a confidential process, meaning that your divorce information stays private. In addition to saving money on legal fees, you and your spouse can work together in a collaborative process that helps solve problems and resolve issues more quickly than waiting for court proceedings to wrap up their own cases.
In addition, divorce mediation gives you the decision making power in your divorce. Oftentimes, when people pursue a more traditional route, they are beholden to the negotiation abilities of their attorneys or the decision making power of a judge. During mediation, you and your former partner are both in the room discussing your best interest and how you can all move forward and have a fulfilling future.
In mediation, neither party needs to hire an attorney and both parties are involved in creating the agreement that will dictate the terms of your divorce. This makes it an excellent option for couples who would prefer not to go through an expensive and adversarial legal process.
The collaborative nature of divorce mediation also means that both spouses must agree on any decisions regarding their children or finances before they can be incorporated into the final agreement. Most importantly: You don’t have to wait months or years for your case to go through court. Most issues can be resolved with your divorce mediator in Skokie within a very short time frame.
Rita Ghose, Divorce Mediator in Skokie, Will Save You Time and Money
The mediation process requires you to work out an agreement with your spouse, which is then presented and accepted by the judge. The mediator will help guide both sides through this process and ensure that both parties are happy with the terms of their divorce settlement before it’s finalized.
Because you are working towards a mutual agreement, you and your former partner are likely not going to act as adversaries. Through this process, you are less likely to spend days arguing over who gets the lamp or the collection of rare books, or anything else for that matter. You both want to make sure that everyone’s best interests are looked after.
Because you don’t have to hire your own attorneys, you will spend less money. You don’t have to worry about an excessive amount of billable hours to two attorneys. And since the process is quicker, you won’t have to pay for this divorce for months and months until it is finalized. The divorce mediator in Skokie helps you through the process, you get one lawyer to file the official paperwork with the court, then you are done.
Contact RMG Family Law Today For a Consultation
When you participate in mediation, you and your spouse play an integral role in making decisions for your futures. You are not leaving major decisions up to the courts, or a judge who maybe, reviewed your case for a few minutes. If you want to work with a certified divorce mediator in Skokie, who can help you resolve your issues, contact me.