10. MEDIATION COSTS LESS

In Minnesota it is common for divorce attorneys to charge between $250 and $500 per hour. The more issues in dispute the more money each spouse pays to his or her attorney to litigate. When both spouses meet with one Divorce Mediator they can eliminate disputes between them and avoid paying attorneys to battle back and forth or to prepare for court.

9. YOU STILL HAVE YOUR RIGHT TO GO TO COURT

When people use divorce mediation, they do not give up their right to go to court. If you are not satisfied in mediation, you can stop at any time, retain a separate attorney and have the judge decide the issues. What has occurred in mediation remains protected and confidential and is not used in court proceedings.

8. YOU STILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE YOUR OWN ATTORNEY ADVISE YOU

Each spouse may consult with a separate attorney for legal advice, especially before signing the Marital Settlement Agreement. This way you know your legal rights and can make informed decisions. Importantly, you will only pay your attorney for the time necessary to advise you, instead of the time involved litigating disputed issues.

7. NO LARGE RETAINER FEES

Unlike a litigated divorce case, there are no large retainer fees to be paid. You simply pay for each divorce mediation session. Similarly, if you hire your own attorney for individual advice, you should not have to pay that attorney a large retainer fee, as you are not paying that person to litigate, but rather to spend a limited amount of time with you to advise you of your rights.

6. MEDIATION IS CONFIDENTIAL

In private divorce mediation, all discussions and tentative agreements are confidential. This makes it safe to propose alternate solutions for possible consideration. This can lead to new solutions neither party had previously considered. It allows parties to address private, sensitive personal issues without fear of having them used against that person or made public in court filings.

5. YOU KEEP CONTROL

When a case is litigated you surrender your future into the hands of a judge who cannot possibly know your unique life or love your kids like you do. Mediation provides the opportunity to resolve your own disputes. The Divorce Mediator will help you and your spouse make the important decisions involving your children, money and property.

4. MEDIATION IS QUICK

A fully litigated divorce case will often take two to three years to work its way through the Minnesota court system. Mediation is often completed in two to six months.

3. MEDIATION IS EASIER ON THE CHILDREN

Stressful conflict between parents is simply not healthy for children. By using a Divorce Mediator you can minimize conflict and stress, and preserve a working relationship with your spouse for the benefit of your children.  Dorman Mediation has a detailed Parenting Plan to minimize conflict in the future.

2. MEDIATION IS EASIER ON YOU

The way your marriage ends will significantly impact the way you approach your future relationships. Turning hurt and anger into an expensive and lengthy court battle adds injury upon injury – compounding the damage to all involved.  When you use a mediator to help both of you practice managing your emotions, communicating your interests, and negotiating good decisions together – it can be the first small steps to letting go of the past and moving forward to a new life.

1. MEDIATION BUILDS ON THE POSITIVE

In mediation, both parties are encouraged to recognize the positive and to find common ground for agreement. This is particularly important when children are involved and there will be future contact between the parties. Whatever goodwill remains between the parties should be preserved and not destroyed. Divorce Mediation provides the opportunity to peacefully resolve differences so you can move on with your life with dignity and pride

Adapted from the writings of my Your Divorce Professionals partner, Jeff Johnson at Johnson Mediation in Chanhassen MN.

Posted By:

Jeff Dorman

Dorman Mediation

St. Paul, MN.