Mediation FAQ
Mediation is a popular way to reach agreement over crucial family law issues without expending the financial, time and emotional commitments of taking a case to court.
If you are approaching a divorce or facing a family law dispute, you likely have questions about whether mediation is right for you. Read on for the answers to frequently asked mediation questions.
Who can benefit from mediation?
People from all walks of life can benefit from mediation. This includes people in divorce cases involving high assets, couples with children who wish to maintain amicable relations for the sake of co-parenting and couples who wish to protect their privacy by keeping their legal proceedings out of public court records.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Resolving issues such as division of marital assets and child custody through mediation has many potential benefits, including:
- It is more cost-effective than litigation
- It has an accelerated timeline when compared with litigation
- It protects the privacy of both parties
- It results in a solution both parties can abide by
- It allows issues to be resolved in a less heated environment than litigation
- It helps couples resolve their own issues in a way that meets their needs
What happens if an agreement cannot be reached in mediation?
There is nothing to lose by entering mediation with another party who is willing to negotiate in good faith. If an agreement is not reached, parties can still pursue a solution in court. Even a failed mediation process has value by clarifying the sticking points that must be resolved via litigation.
Do I still need a lawyer if I go into mediation?
While it is not required to have a lawyer in mediation, it is recommended. An experienced family law attorney can help you make sure that all issues important to you are resolved in a beneficial way. When it comes to family law, you don’t know what you don’t know.
Contact A Rhode Island Lawyer With Mediation Experience
Call 401-680-9686 or email the firm to schedule a consultation with Rioles Law Offices in Providence.