Mediation is a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In other words, it is an alternative to the traditional litigation process commonly used to resolve disputes arising out of the divorce process.
In mediation, the attorney does not represent either party against the other. Instead, the attorney’s role is to neutrally and impartially inform both the parties of the general legal principles which govern the issues involved in their family law matter, open dialogue between the parties, and encourage each to actively listen to the interests and goals of the other, and help bring the parties together in their respective positions to reach a settlement agreement acceptable to each.
The major benefit of mediation is that the parties themselves determine the terms and conditions of any settlement reached, instead of a judge who may not appreciate the specific characteristics of the issues involved in your matter. This is especially true in cases involving children. Often times both parties are left unsatisfied and disappointed with custody and visitation decisions when made by the court.
The other major benefit of mediation is that parties engaged in mediation are free from the financial and emotional stress that often results when family law matters are litigated in court.
The attorneys at Jonas, Harvey & Keese are flexible in their approach to mediation, which includes meeting with the clients and their attorneys (if applicable) in order to design a strategy to resolve a matter as quickly and efficiently as possible given the unique facts of each family law situation.
