Mediation
Pasadena attorneys at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer praise the benefits of mediated separation and divorce as an alternative to a divorce lawsuit.
Relationships
The family lawyers at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer find that divorce mediation reduces tension between separating spouses or partners. There is cooperation and communication both during the process and in the future. The positive atmosphere created by collaboration is beneficial to everyone involved from attorneys to children of divorcing parents, claims lawyer Donald Schweitzer.
Cost
The Schweitzer attorneys know that working settlements out in mediation is significantly less expensive and much less time-consuming than litigated divorce. If the case goes to court, the financial cost may be three times as high -- or more. Litigated divorces must take place according to the court’s schedule. Mediation is efficient. Settlement can be achieved much more quickly when the approach shifts from polarizing debate to creative solution-seeking. Donald Schweitzer says that the best savings come in the form of reduced stress for his clients.
Satisfaction
Spouses who can agree on a settlement are much more satisfied with their divorce than they would be with solutions imposed by the court. Divorce attorney Schweitzer talks about empowerment clients feel when they and their advocates hammer out the agreement, rather than leaving it to an over-worked judge who doesn’t know the parties involved or their true circumstances.
Emotional Well-Being
Children of mediated divorces may adjust better to the divorce. Because part of mediation is learning to communicate better, the process helps preserve good relationships and reduce tension in broken ones. Communication, as well as cooperation, among all participants, including the divorce lawyers, is greatly improved.
Compliance
Agreements made in mediation have a higher degree of compliance and success than those negotiated in the courthouse, because clients control the outcome. Attorney Schweitzer says that if a judge makes decisions, the outcome can be unpredictable, as well as impractical, for the family. The Schweitzer family lawyers find that clients in mediation have the flexibility and time to consider how their decisions will affect their futures. Outcomes are better tailored to the needs of the family.
Privacy and Dignity
Divorce mediation is confidential and private. Clients can discuss the important issues in the neutral mediator's office, rather than in a crowded courthouse hallway. A mediator's files are confidential; court files are public records that anyone can view.
The mediator's job is to ensure that all participants get a chance to express all of their concerns. It is important that both spouses and partners feel that they have a fair forum. A mediator can help balance power. In court, settlement can become a matter of who has the stronger, more vocal attorney.
A good mediator will take steps to ensure that each spouse and each attorney is honest and openly discloses all facts, records, and documents required for an informed and fair agreement.
Mediators know the very best settlement will foster a positive environment for the children as well as the parents.
Mediators demand that all parties to the agreement, spouses or partners and their attorneys, are considerate and respectful to one another.
Mediation and the Future
Usually, clients who separate and divorce through mediation find that their relationships are transformed. They learn important lessons in communication, so that when future problems arise, they are able to cooperate to solve them. The Schweitzer family lawyers are nevertheless always ready to assist litigation if mediation is unsuccessful or if an agreement breaks down.
Contact the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer for more information about mediated divorce, and an attorney’s role in the process.