Columbus Mediation Attorney

Mediation is a form of guided negotiation that happens outside of court. Instead of appearing before a judge, a couple meets with a mediator, who is a neutral third party. This person does not act like a judge or decide the case in any way. For example, a mediator will not decide who “wins” or who is “wrong.” Instead, the mediator is there to listen and to help the parties communicate with each other.

Mediators are also skilled at coming up with creative solutions that are not obvious to the parties or other people. Many people leave mediation realizing that they could have solved their disagreements all along had they only thought of the right solution.

Mediation is used in all sorts of family law disputes, such as

• Divorce
• Child custody disputes
• Paternity suits
• Disagreements about visitation
• Adoption

Whenever people disagree, mediation can help them begin listening to each other and to find common ground.

In a typical legal dispute, you don’t know the person on the other side of the courtroom. Some stranger struck you with their vehicle, or an anonymous big business sold you a defective product. Chances are, you will never see the person who injured you again after you finish the lawsuit.

Family law disputes are different. If you are divorcing, you will probably see your ex in the future, especially if you have children together. People stay in contact, and their relationships can be poisoned by litigation.

Instead of using adversarial techniques like lawsuits, mediation can help people truly understand why they disagree. If you really listen to another person, you might find out their fears aren’t irrational. Parties are then well-positioned to work in good faith to reach a compromise that all can live with. This will allow the relationship to continue in an amicable fashion going forward. If you are divorcing with young children, you will be in contact with your ex for well over a decade. Nobody wants to be angry for that length of time.

Mediation is also cost-effective. Lawsuits can drag on for years, which costs our clients money and increases stress. By engaging in mediation, many of our clients resolve disputes fairly quickly, which allows them to move forward in a stronger financial position.

Divorce Mediation Reduces Costs

Getting a divorce is often one of the most expensive legal processes that an adult goes through in his or her life. Quality attorneys who are able to dedicate their time to representing you are expensive, and it may be necessary to retain a divorce attorney for over a year if your contested divorce is not easily settled. Attending mediation is less expensive than typical divorce proceedings, saving both adults money. Most mediators charge an hourly rate that is dependent upon the experience of the mediator and the location. However, the cost associated with attending multiple mediation sessions is substantially lower than the expense of a prolonged court battle.

Keeps the Couple in Control

A couple who only disagrees about a few key issues could find themselves in a difficult situation if they place their fates in the hands of the court. While their attorneys will do their best to get their clients a satisfactory outcome, the judge hearing the case may impose or suggest something that one or both adults are not comfortable with. Using a mediator helps couples avoid being placed in a situation in which a third party makes decisions that they could be forced to live with indefinitely. During mediation, you and your spouse remain in control and will have an opportunity to discuss the situation in a constructive manner while working towards a solution that is acceptable for everyone.

Less Time Consuming

One of the most difficult parts of the divorce process is the time it takes to resolve all disputes and reach a settlement. After months of legal battles, both parties are often emotionally and financially drained. Mediation gives you an opportunity to reach a faster resolution by placing you with an experienced mediator who is able to suggest multiple ideas and provide neutral insight into your situation. A mediator helps couples understand how to initiate a healthy dialogue so that they can come to a resolution in less time.