Mediation

Thinking of Collaborative Divorce? How to Choose a Mediator

Are you considering divorce but dreading the inevitable adversarial courtroom battles with your ex? Would you rather pursue a mature, amicable split that leaves more money in your pocket and lowers your stress levels? Consider family mediation, an increasingly common alternative to the traditional litigious divorce model.

Family mediators in Rockwall County help couples work through their divorce documents in a peaceful, cooperative environment. These collaborative law practices lower stress levels, and they can also be substantially less expensive than a traditional divorce. Your attorney generally helps you locate a qualified mediator that meets your needs. Not sure what a mediator does? Let’s explore mediation methods a little more.

Two basic kinds of mediation exist: facilitative and directive. Facilitative mediators generally encourage both members of the couple to be present together in a room, sometimes without their attorneys. The mediator asks questions to help the couple hash out agreements for property division, child custody and child support. Facilitative mediators aid Rockwall County couples in determining what they want out of the divorce and why they want it; rather than “I want custody,” they may help someone articulate that they simply want to spend a significant amount of time with their children. Directive models, however, generally involve attorneys, and the mediator shuttles back and forth between different rooms to aid the negotiation.

When you choose a Rockwall County mediator, you should consult the list of court-approved mediators in the area. If a professional mediator is listed with local government, he or she is qualified to handle all stages of your divorce, not just the finishing touches. You should also ask your attorney about the mediator’s area of expertise. Mediators with mental health expertise might be a great ally for couples with children, for example.

Finally, discuss your choice of mediator with your attorney to make sure the person you have chosen generally follows ethical practices. Mediators are required to be impartial, meaning they do not show favoritism toward either spouse. Participants in the mediation must also be permitted to access adequate information to make divorce-related decisions.

If you are interested in a collaborative law divorce, consider consulting with one of our amazing family lawyers. We've got a team of domestic litigation attorneys ready to assist you with your divorce or child custody case. Many cases can be resolved through mediation and give you a lower cost solution that also gives you control over the final outcome. We've handled hundreds of meditations and family law cases and we have offices in Forney, Rockwall, and Plano to meet with you.