Law Office of Joanne Kleiner

Divorce mediation

May 08

Why You Should Try Divorce Mediation

Explore the Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Since it has a high success rate, mediation is one of the most effective forms of handling a divorce. Why does mediation work so well? More and more couples are choosing this process because it provides several benefits.

The Whole Process Is Faster

If you just want your divorce to be over with, mediation is the way to go. One of the big benefits of mediation is that it’s far quicker than going through the courts. When your case is decided in front of a judge, you must wait months for your court date. Depending on your situation, you may have to wait weeks while you file paperwork and send documentation back and forth. Mediation is a lot more straightforward. You schedule your meetings, attend each session for an hour or two, and then go on your way. In most cases, mediation is completed in four to 10 weeks.

You Have Less Stress

Of course, a good divorce lawyer will manage a lot of the difficult parts of the process for you, but it’s still stressful to have to go to court and argue your case in front of a judge. Since mediation is more cooperative, it has an entirely different tone. You don’t have to feel like the law is getting involved, and you don’t have to feel like you’re having a confrontation. Instead, it’s simply you and your estranged spouse sitting down with a few helpful advisors while you figure things out.

Your Discussions Are Confidential

Court proceedings typically become a matter of public record. If you have a contentious divorce, all your dirty laundry gets aired to the public. Anyone who is interested can pull court documents and learn about your relationship and your finances. If this sounds too awkward for you, you should try mediation. Mediation is a private matter. If desired, you can even negotiate nondisclosure agreements to further safeguard your privacy.

Your Children Are Less Affected

If you have children, mediation is especially helpful. By working with the other parent, you maintain a more positive relationship with your co-parent. Mediation reduces the chances of an acrimonious divorce that can lead to years of disagreements with your child’s other parent. It also keeps your kids from being involved. They don’t have to testify in court and feel like they’re getting dragged into your disagreements with their other parent.

It’s More Affordable

If you’re worried about losing money in a divorce, mediation is a good option. Divorce mediation costs are usually around 40% to 60% lower than traditional divorce costs. Part of this is due to the simplicity of mediation. You don’t have to hire a divorce lawyer to carefully prepare court arguments and spend hours negotiating with your ex’s divorce attorney. Mediation is also more affordable because it’s over faster and has fewer court filing fees associated with it.

You Have More Control

If you decide to take your estranged spouse to court for a divorce, you end up relying on the judge’s discretion. The court will decide what it deems fair and make a ruling you’re legally bound to follow. This can lead to problems like your spouse ending up with the house you renovated or you obtaining one of your spouse’s family heirlooms. If you want to avoid these issues, mediation is a good idea. You’re entirely in control, so you get to decide how your assets should be divided. You can also make more flexible arrangements regarding issues like pet custody or reduced child support.

Mediation is definitely simpler and less contentious, but it’s still a good idea to have a knowledgeable lawyer on your side. At the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner, we can help guide you through the mediation process. Our Jenkintown team is here to handle the paperwork, collect evidence for you and represent your side of the story. We can oversee everything from child custody to alimony. To learn more about our services, call (215) 886-1266, or fill out our contact form.

Jan 03

Is Your Mediation Agreement Legally Binding?

Are You Legally Required to Abide by Mediation Decisions?

More and more divorcing couples are choosing to get mediation instead of arguing in court. If you have tried or are considering trying mediation, it’s helpful to know just how legally binding the process is. Here is what you need to know about whether or not divorce mediation is legally binding.

Are You Legally Required to Get Mediation?

In most cases, mediation is entirely optional. People usually decide to get it when they want to divorce and keep things as amicable as possible. However, usually, you have the right to forego mediation if you don’t think it will work for your situation.

There are a few exceptions to this rule though. The court can order a couple to enter mediation if they think that would benefit the family. This is a special type of mediation called court-ordered mediation. If you have court-ordered mediation, you are legally bound to show up for your mediation sessions. You don’t necessarily have to be talkative during the session, but if you skip it, you could be found in contempt of the court.

Another reason you might be legally bound to go through the mediation process is if you signed a prenup saying you would. Many prenuptial agreements include a clause that says you have to go into mediation if you want to end the marriage. Skipping mediation at this point could result in civil lawsuits or other penalties.

Do You Have to Follow the Mediator’s Recommendations?

During your mediation session, the mediator will hear both sides of the story. You and your ex can get a mediation lawyer to present your case and explain the solution you want. After hearing all the facts, your mediator might make suggestions for how you should proceed.

Keep in mind that the mediator is not a judge. What they say is not a final ruling that you are legally bound to follow. Instead, the mediator is just there to guide the discussion in a proactive manner. Whether or not you choose to follow any suggestions from the mediator is up to you.

Which Mediation Documents Are Actually Legally Binding?

The process of just talking with a mediator is not legally binding. However, usually, the whole point of mediation is for you and your ex to create a legal document that you both agree on. Depending on your circumstances, your mediation attorney might prepare documents like child custody arrangements, asset transfer agreements, or child support schedules.

Unless your mediation is court-ordered, you have the option of walking away without signing any documents. It’s very important to only sign legal agreements in mediation if you agree with them. Once you sign them, they are just as legally binding as any child custody or asset division settlement your divorce lawyer helps you get in court.

What Should You Do If You’re Not Happy With Your Mediation Outcome?

You cannot just shrug and quit paying your child custody because you sorted it out in mediation instead of in court. However, that doesn’t mean you are stuck with your mediation agreement forever. Just like any other legal agreement, you might have options to contest or appeal the decision.

In some cases, you can argue that the mediation contract is not valid due to irregularities such as being signed under duress. Mediation usually isn’t recommended for couples dealing with domestic violence, because one can intimidate the other into signing something unfair. Another option for changing your agreement is petitioning the court for an adjustment. Since some agreements, like child support, are ongoing, you can alter them when circumstances drastically change. This means that things like getting a new job or moving may let you make some changes to your mediation agreement.

If you’re considering mediation, the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner is here to help. We are happy to offer mediation and explain how it works. And if you’re unsatisfied with a previously mediated agreement, our divorce lawyer team can help you explore your options further. Call our Jenkintown office at 215-886-1266 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.

Aug 18

Divorce Mediation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus Pandemic and Divorce Mediation

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, divorce was a stressful proposition. In the midst of the health emergency, divorce lawyers have canceled in-person meetings. With Pennsylvania’s confirmed infection toll at over 124,000 as of August, many of the county courts are just starting to tackle a backlog of family court cases.

Understanding the Mediation Process

Divorce mediation is all about communication. Often, when couples reach the point of splitting up, there are emotional barriers that make direct communication difficult. In a mediation process, the couple sits with a third party who helps them talk through the many decisions a divorce requires. Mediation sessions will cover such areas as:

  • Division of property
  • Child support
  • Child custody
  • Alimony

Candidates for Mediation

Mediation minimizes the amount of time spent in a courtroom as well as often lowering the cost of the divorce. However, the mediation process is not for everyone. Spouses must maintain a decent level of communication. If one partner cannot be in the presence of the other without getting angry and upset, this process will not be helpful.

For a productive mediation, both spouses must be committed to the goal of peacefully ending the relationship. This is not a counseling session where a couple is trying to resolve issues and stay together. Mediation is a process for formally ending a marriage.

Virtual Technology and Mediation

Because mediation is about meaningful communication, virtual technology allows the process to continue during a time of social distancing. Using an online communication platform like Zoom, the couple can meet with their mediator in a virtual mediation session. A conference call is another way that partners can communicate with the mediator.

The spouses will deal with the same issues in a virtual setting. However, online mediation will bring new challenges. In most in-person mediation processes, the sessions end with the couple signing forms together at the legal office. An action that took a few minutes may be extended to days as forms travel by mail or the spouses make separate signing appointments.

Delays in Divorce Because of COVID-19

Mediation is not the final step in divorce proceedings. If the mediation is successful, the couple will have a separation agreement that handles the necessary aspects of dissolving the marriage. However, the court must approve the agreement, and the couple must swear to the agreement through the court. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down this part of the divorce process.

The advantage of virtual mediation during the pandemic is that spouses do not have to wait to prepare the agreement. It is a great relief to have the separation agreement in writing and ready to go. As the courts reopen and begin to hear divorce cases, the couple will be ready for their final session.

Tips for Meaningful Communication on Virtual Platforms

The COVID-19 pandemic has moved a great deal of communication online. Of course, this kind of format is quite different than sitting face-to-face around a table. Couples can expect some challenges when working with this technology for mediation.

The couple should be prepared for pauses. Differing internet speeds can cause lag that disrupts the natural flow of conversation. When someone speaks, other participants should take a beat before responding. Participants can use hand gestures like waving to indicate that they would like to speak. In some cases, it will be best for the mediator to call on the participants for input.

The couple should be ready for the meeting. Online communication often feels less formal. However, these sessions will be the most productive if participants can minimize distractions and have all of their necessary documents in front of them.

Patience is a necessity. There will be frustrating moments during an online session. The technology may not always work perfectly. Children and pets will not always behave in the background. It is best to acknowledge the imperfections and move forward.

As a divorce lawyer in Pennsylvania, Joanne Kleiner can help you through the mediation process as either a mediator or legal advisor. To find out more, you can reach out to the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner in Jenkintown through our website or by calling 215-886-1266.