Even with the difficult emotions you face after your marriage has ended, you may still want to find ways to amicably resolve your differences with your ex-spouse. One of the most effective ways to do this is through divorce mediation.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a proceeding involving a third party “neutral,” someone who represents neither you nor your spouse. Instead, the mediator is tasked with helping you work together to identify and implement mutually beneficial solutions to your differences. The mediator does not make any determinations of “right and wrong,” and will not make any determinations of fact or render any rulings in favor of one party or the other. In addition, while evidence may be helpful to help work toward solutions, evidence is never used to persuade the court or to seek a finding by the mediator.
What are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
There are a number of advantages to pursuing a resolution to your divorce through mediation:
- Typically, mediation is less expensive than litigation—First, the parties generally split the cost of mediation services. Second, because there’s no jury and the mediator will not make any determinations of fact, there’s no need to engage in lengthy discovery of evidence, one of the components of litigation that involves substantial expense. Furthermore, because you typically resolve the issues through interaction and compromise, there’s usually no need for costly expert witnesses.
- Mediation can be completed in far less time—With most mediators, you can schedule mediation within a couple months. Furthermore, most mediation is completed in one or a couple sessions, as there’s no need to call witnesses, introduce evidence and engage in the seemingly endless motions and procedures found at trial.
- Mediation gives you an active voice in the resolution—With a court proceeding, you put forward evidence and then wait for a third party (the judge or jury) to rule on the evidence. In mediation, you can propose a new resolution at any time and can always reject a proposed resolution from your ex-spouse.
- Mediation improves post-divorce relationships—A key benefit, especially when there are minor children, is that you don’t engage in bitter or acrimonious exchanges, so you’re better able to move forward together.
Contact Us
At the office of Joanne E. Kleiner & Associates, we have more than 25 years of family law experience. We’ll help you stay focused on what matters. To schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania divorce attorney, contact our office online or call us at 215-886-1266.