Mediation is a process where a neutral third party (mediator) assists two or more others to negotiate issues of importance to them. Mediation is used in many types of disputes including family, workplace, business and court-involved situations. Mediation is not counselling, however it can be complementary to counselling, by assisting people to resolve legal issues. Couples who are separating can benefit immensely by using mediation for some or all of their negotiations. Lawyers may attend mediation with each person, or they may be consulted separately between mediation sessions. The average mediation is from 5 to 10 sessions depending on the complexity of the issues and the level of conflict.
1. Protect your children.
A family mediator will assist you to focus on your children’s needs first while developing a parenting plan. Parenting plans include when each of you will have parenting time, and how you will divide parenting responsibilities. Your plan may include ways to communicate to ensure your children do not witness conflict between you. Mediated parenting plans provide a way for you to craft a plan that works for everyone instead of a judge making a plan that may not work for you or your children.
2. Save money.
The cost of an average divorce mediation ranges from $2000.00 to $6000.00. This rate depends on the mediator’s rate as well as the complexity of the issues and the level of conflict. If you hire a lawyer to negotiate for you, without using mediation, your costs will likely start around $5000.00 and can easily exceed $20,000.00 if you have multiple court appearances. Some couples have costs over $100,000.00 if the issues are complex and contentious.
More benefits to come…
