Mediation may be a preferable way to complete divorce proceedings. Having an attorney with our firm handle your meditation may help the process go as smoothly as possible.
Bogin, Munns & Munns can provide a Gainesville mediation lawyer to represent you. Divorces are not always pleasant, but having our team on your side can benefit you during a trying time.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a method for completing the divorce process. A mediator, who should be a neutral party, serves as the middle person between divorcees. The mediator does not represent either party. This is unlike divorce litigation, in which both parties may have an attorney who represents their interests – not the interests of the person from whom they’re seeking a divorce.
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Though ADR can be an option in all sorts of negotiations, it is notable for its role in divorce proceedings.
As the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) explains, the goal of any ADR is “to provide a forum for the parties to work toward a voluntary, consensual agreement, as opposed to having a judge or other authority decide the case.” This may be the goal of your mediation, too.
Who Can Serve As a Mediator?
Florida Courts explains that many types of individuals can serve as a mediator. This includes attorneys and other certain professionals. In order to mediate a divorce in Florida, one must generally:
- Complete certified family mediation training
- Have certain educational or mediation experience
- Exhibit a certain standard of mentorship
- Have a certain amount of education
Florida Courts uses a points system to ensure that mediators are qualified and well-rounded. Mediators must be neutral and objective. Training and education can help a mediator understand what it truly means to be neutral and objective.
What does a Mediator Do?
A mediator aims to help two parties reach decisions of their own volition. A mediator may:
- Bring up topics necessary to complete a divorce
- Ask each party to share their thoughts on a topic
- Bring up relevant statistical figures
- Propose solutions
- Moderate any disagreements that arise
- Move the negotiations towards a resolution
A mediator does not make decisions about a dispute. They don’t judge fault or liability in any given matter. A mediator simply facilitates discussion in a manner they see fit. Parties engaged in a dispute – in this case, a divorce – must make decisions for themselves.
A mediator may broach many important topics, including:
- Child custody
- Division of assets
- Child support payments
- Visitation rights
A mediator can be a key resource that helps you complete your divorce. However, a mediator is not the same as a mediation lawyer. An attorney from Bogin, Munns & Munns can protect you during the mediation process. If you’ve begun or plan to complete mediation, consider hiring an attorney at our firm as an extra measure of protection.
To consult with an experienced mediation lawyer serving Gainesville
855-780-9986
Why do Divorcees Choose Mediation?
Divorcees may choose mediation because they want to seek an amicable resolution. The stereotype about divorce proceedings is that they’re a knock-down, drag-out affair. In some cases, this is reality. Those who choose mediation may try to avoid such a bitter reality.
Every divorce proceeding is unique. You may have your own reasons for considering mediation, so you could be motivated by one or more of its potential benefits.
Possible Benefits of Mediation
Some of the possible benefits of mediation are:
- Saving money: Resolving your divorce through mediation may be less expensive than litigation. For this reason alone, mediation may be worthwhile.
- Securing a resolution: If mediation proves effective, it will allow you to move on from your divorce.
- Control over proceedings: When you engage in mediation, you’re the one in control. No judge or arbitrator has the power to make decisions affecting your divorce. Compared with other resolution options, this makes mediation a relatively low-risk proceeding.
- Privacy: Arbitration is generally not a public process. This makes it preferable for those concerned with privacy.
You can retain an attorney for your mediation proceedings, too. The ability to engage in mediation and have a lawyer represent you is beneficial.
Mediation may simply be the first step in divorce proceedings. Though signed mediation agreements are enforceable, verbal agreements may not be. Divorcees may feel comfortable during mediation knowing that, until they sign an agreement, they are not bound by law.
Do You Need an Attorney to Help With Mediation?
Hiring an attorney is generally a wise decision, especially during a proceeding as serious as a divorce. Though mediation can have informal stages, it may still lead to a binding legal agreement. Having one of our lawyers on your side may:
- Provide you with a sounding board: An attorney is a confidential advocate who you can share ideas and concerns with.
- Protect you from being taken advantage of: Though a mediator is neutral, the person you’re divorcing may not be. Your lawyer will ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout the mediation process.
- Help you secure a positive outcome: The various benefits of our attorney may contribute to a positive outcome to your mediation.
- Set you up for any post-mediation litigation: If litigation becomes necessary, you’ll already have a lawyer who is familiar with your case.
Consider an attorney from Bogin, Munns & Munns to help you throughout mediation (and beyond, if necessary).
Why Hire Bogin, Munns & Munns to Help with Mediation?
Bogin, Munns & Munns handles both litigation and family law as primary practice areas. We understand what clients dealing with divorce need. Our team will speak with you about your case. We’ll ensure that our goals for your mediation align with yours.
Some of our duties may include:
- Reviewing the assets involved in your divorce
- Learning about any child custody issues you’re facing
- Accompanying you to mediation
- Provide advice throughout the mediation process
- Helping you determine if a settlement is fair
- Completing any litigation that you require
A lawyer from our firm will be your advocate and advisor.
Gainesville Mediation Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns to Discuss Your Mediation (and How We Can Help)
Hiring a mediation lawyer at our firm will help protect your interests. Bogin, Munns & Munns will have your back throughout your divorce proceedings in Gainesville. Our team has ample resources that we’ll use to help you.
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns today at 352-332-7688 for a consultation.
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