Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is a collaborative process where a couple has decided to divorce, but may need assistance in coming to agreement on all of the terms of their divorce. During a divorce mediation, both parties meet together with an experienced attorney acting as a neutral mediator with the goal of reaching agreement rather than litigating the issues. Divorce mediation can help both of you in agreeing on issues of division of property, division of debt, child support and custody, and spousal support.
Divorce mediation is an alternative to traditional litigation. With mediation, both parties will engage in a give-and-take, good faith negotiation. Both parties will be completely informed as to what they are negotiating, and the details of their agreement. Mediation is an excellent way to affordably dissolve your marriage as smoothly and fairly as possible. Contact us here to discuss Divorce Mediation
Divorce Mediation FAQ:
Is Divorce Mediation Right For You?
Divorce mediation is appropriate when both parties are willing to explore an alternative to litigation. We can help answer any questions about the divorce process, and help to negotiate the issues in your divorce. Because divorce mediation is a collaborative process, each party must be able to negotiate in good faith. If you would like to find out more about divorce mediation, Click Here to contact us.
What Are The Issues We Need To Agree On In A Divorce Mediation?
Divorce Mediation is a process where both parties meet together with a Mediator to work through and resolve the issues in your case. These issues are the same in every divorce case: division of property, division of debt, if there are children, child custody and support, and possibly spousal support.
Division of Property
Who keeps what? You and your spouse will have to agree on what to do with your Cars, House, Bank Accounts, Investments, Furniture, Collectibles, etc.
Division of Debt
Credit card balances, student loans, personal loans, etc. Responsibility for all debts must be agreed.
Child Custody
If there are kids involved, you will need to agree on custody. Who will the child(ren) be with, and when? What time and place will the exchanges occur? What about birthdays, vacations, and holidays? All of these details will need to be discussed and agreed to.
Child Support
In Missouri, you may choose to apply the child support amount as calculated by Missouri Form 14, which is an official form provided by the state to assist in determining a fair and reasonable support amount. Or, you and your spouse may come to a separate agreement with an amount you decided with each other.
Spousal Maintenance
Spousal Support (aka “Alimony”) may be appropriate in some circumstances. Mediation is a process where you can learn more about spousal support, how much is fair, and for how long it should be paid.
What to Expect During Divorce Mediation
Unlike a traditional adversarial divorce, Mediation is a collaborative process. At the first meeting, you and your spouse will bring a list of required documents and completed worksheets. You should familiarize yourself with the issues common to all divorces, and have an idea of how to fairly divide property, assets and debts. If you and your spouse have children together, you should consider a custody schedule that allows both parents meaningful time with the kids. Finally, you should consider whether or not spousal support is appropriate, and if so, for how long.
We will then systematically work together to iron out the details of your divorce. Some cases are finished quickly, in as little as an hour. Most cases, however, require at least a few hours or working through the details, and some may require two or more meetings as we identify sticking points and work to overcome them.
Meeting together in a supportive, non-adversarial environment with the assistance of a qualified Mediator, eliminates uncertainty and anxiety, and minimizes the emotional impact of divorce. Our goal is for you to both feel fully informed, and that all agreements are fair and acceptable considering all points of view.
Once both of you are in agreement, we will finalize the legal documents for each of your signatures. Once your signatures are finalized, we will file with the Court, and monitor your case for the Judge’s final signature. Back to Top
What Is The Mediator's Role in Divorce Mediation?
In a Divorce Mediation, your Mediator will not act as a legal advisor. Instead, we will systematically go through each issue in your divorce with you in detail. We assist in negotiations, and we will work through any disagreements and address all concerns. Once we have reached a consensus, your Mediator will draft all legal documents to accurately reflect your agreement. Each party may seek legal advice before signing the divorce documents. Back to Top
How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost?
Divorce Mediation is an excellent way to minimize the costs associated with Divorce. Divorce Mediation services are charged on an hourly basis. Your first session requires a deposit to cover the first hour of the session. If your session goes over the hour, you will be charged the balance at the end of that session. All costs may be shared by the parties. Back to Top
How To Get Started With Divorce Mediation
Divorce Mediation is an excellent alternative to traditional, adversarial litigation. If you feel that a Divorce Mediation may be right for you, please Contact Us Here to find out more.