SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT...

In litigation, parties are often left with agreements that do not serve their  needs and seem unfair to  one of them, because many decisions are forced upon them by their lawyers. As a result, agreements are often sabotaged and not carried out.

Mediation helps a couple to resolve issues and find practical, fair solutions that work for both of them. Research shows that such agreements are usually fulfilled and couples in general feel in control of their own lives.

TIME and MONEY...

Adversarial divorce usually takes a year or more to complete, depending on how complicated the issues are.  The cost of litigated divorce can be  enormously high. It runs from at least $6,000  up to $50,000 and even higher.

Mediation process resolves the issues within a few months, even though issues are complicated and relationships are strained. The amount couples spend on mediation would vary depending on complexity of each case.  However, it rarely  exceeds $6,000.

RELATIONSHIPS...

The emotional chaos the couple ends up in after a litigated divorce  may take a huge toll on their healing process. Years of therapy will not always resolve the issues and might not let you turn this page to move on with your life.  According to statistics, bitter  divorce is a fertile ground for failing new relationships. Anger and frustration do not let people realize what went wrong. Thus, they are not shielded from making the same mistakes again.

Mediation process teaches people to be in control and express their feelings openly. It helps  separate emotions from real issues, overcome the anger and see beyond it. Thus, everyone benefits and deals with problems constructively. Mediation helps to put lives back on track.  Couples, who mediate their divorces, have much better chance in succeeding with their new relationships.

CHILDREN...

Divorce battles tremendously affect lives of the children. Their emotional scars may last a lifetime. Their chances to overcome stress created by a divorce are slim. Parenting schedule and child support are difficult to enforce and are impossible to change without appealing to a court. As a result, in litigated divorces, child support is carried out by 20% and visiting parents see their children once a month.

Mediation helps to restore an equilibrium within the family. Therefore, children are in a much better position to overcome the devastation of divorce and return to their every day life activities. Parenting schedule and child support can be altered without court involvement. All issues are discussed and may be changed according to the children’s needs. Therefore,  agreements are usually fulfilled by the parties. 

CONFIDENTIALITY...