Divorce is such a stressful time for all parties involved. Many people deal with anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, disappointment, headaches, insomnia, and other emotional and psychological problems as a result of a divorce. State courts require divorcing parties to participate in at least one session of divorce mediation in Utah. While we can't ensure a stress-free resolution, divorce mediation is often the better choice when it comes to separating from your spouse.
What is Mediation, Exactly?
Mediation is where you, your spouse, and your lawyers hire a neutral third party, the mediator. This third party helps facilitate divorce negotiations. The third party is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice, but rather, their job is to try and get the 2 parties to come to an agreement over the terms of the divorce.
Why Choose Mediation Over Going to Court?
We think that in many divorce cases, people are better served by mediation than by going to court. For one thing, it's less expensive than going to court and it frees up the court for more important cases. Mediation offers both sides confidentiality -- the terms of the divorce is not a matter of public record. You and your spouse have control over the terms of the divorce; you don't have to have an imposed settlement levied on you by the courts. You can also still have your lawyer advise and represent you during the mediation.
How Mediation Works
Mediation starts with both sides and their attorneys meeting with the mediator in an office or meeting room after the initial phone consultations. The mediator explains how mediation works and how it will proceed. After that, the mediator may meet separately with each of the parties to understand the situation and help them draw up terms that will work for each party. The mediator will handle negotiations between the two parties and once a settlement is reached, the mediator will file the settlement with the court, which will become part of the divorce.
Choosing the Right Mediation Attorney
Although a lawyer is not required, it is prudent to have one on your side to guide you to get what you are entitled to and help you reach goals that are most important to you. If you're going through a divorce and think that mediation would be beneficial to you and your spouse, contact us at Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law, P.C. We offer 30-minute no-obligation consultations. Contact us today.
The Wall's have over more 190 years of combined legal experience as divorce and family law attorneys. They aggressively represent their clients in matters including the complex and difficult issues surrounding paternity, child custody, alimony, grandparent rights, property and debt division.
Wall & Wall Attorneys At Law PC
2168 Fort Union Blvd.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
801-441-2388
