Mediation is an option that is available to individuals involved in divorce and in other family law actions. It is a form of alternative dispute resolution. If you and the other party involved can come to an agreement and settle, it is generally more cost-effective and less time-consuming than litigation. However, a settlement agreement must be approved by the Court to ensure that it’s fair to the involved parties. Until this is done, the agreement is not legally binding. To learn more about mediation and how it may benefit you, schedule a consultation with the Denver mediation lawyers of Stahly Mehrtens LLC.
What Is the Role of a Denver Mediation Lawyer?
During the mediation process, the lawyer who is acting as the mediator is not there to provide you or the other party with legal advice. Rather, their role is to be a guide. They assist the parties in coming to an agreement regarding the issues involved in their legal dispute.
Each party may also bring their attorney with them to mediation. This can be important as well because should the other party bring their lawyer and you do not, their lawyer and the mediator cannot give you legal advice. If you are represented by an attorney as well, your attorney and the other party’s attorney can also work with the mediator to create potential settlement proposals to send to the other party for review. Your attorney can also help ensure that you do not feel pressured to enter into a settlement agreement that is not in your best interest or that is inherently unfair to you.
How Does Mediation Work?
Mediation is either court-initiated or party-initiated. When it is court-initiated, the court may appoint a mediator. If it is party-initiated, you or the other party may suggest mediation and choose the mediator. The mediator may use one of several mediation styles:
- Facilitative mediation
- Evaluative mediation
- Collaborative process
- Early neutral assessment
The mediator works with the parties and/or their attorneys to address the related issues, and come up with potential solutions that both parties can agree with. Each party can also send counter agreements. If an agreement is reached, a Memorandum of Understanding is created and reviewed by the court for approval. If an agreement is not reached, what happens depends on whether you’re attending court-initiated or party-initiated mediation.
Why Should You Consider Mediation If You’re Getting Divorced In Colorado?
If you’re seeking a divorce, mediation is a good option to consider because it can reduce the time and expense of the divorce process. You and your spouse can come to an agreement regarding all of the issues that must be settled, such as:
- Assignment of complex property and debt
- Establishing a fair child support payment
- Creating a parenting plan that includes the allotment of parenting time and responsibilities that works best for your family
- Addresses spousal maintenance, if appropriate and applicable
Contact Our Denver Mediation Lawyers Today
Mediation is a wonderful legal tool for family law matters. To learn more about how it may benefit you, schedule your consultation with a Denver divorce lawyer with Stahly Mehrtens LLC.