The choice to end a marriage is one that does not come lightly and often involves heavy emotion. For this reason, divorce proceedings are often tense and stressful for both the couples and their families. However, not all divorce proceedings need to end up in court. Divorce mediation is an option that allows couples to settle outside of court with as little tension as possible. Mediation is a process of trying to settle the case by hiring an intermediary, called a mediator. The parties each sit in one room (zoom or in person) where they cannot see or interact with each other, and the mediator goes back and forth to the rooms trying to settle the divorce issues. Mediations are claimed to settled cases more than 80% of the time.
At Knutson + Casey, our team of Minnesota family law attorneys has years of experience helping guide clients set up and go through mediation as a means to settle the divorce, and keep stress and negative emotions at a minimum during this difficult time. Dissolving one’s marriage is never easy. However, mediation offers a more cordial solution to settle outside of court and enter into this new chapter in as peaceful a manner as possible, and in a quick manner.
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If you or your partner have recently filed for divorce, you may be expecting a long, drawn-out court process as proceedings begin. However, that is not your only option when it comes to finalizing your divorce. Mediation is an option available to couples going through a divorce that offers legal resolution outside of the courtroom.
If you are considering divorce mediation, there are several factors you should be aware of that many couples view as benefits of this legal path:
Divorce mediation promotes better communication between parties, an important factor to consider if you need to be in contact with each other after the divorce due to any children involved. Better communication also mitigates the risk of hostility and fighting and may lead to an overall less stressful experience for everyone involved.
When going through divorce proceedings in court, you will proceed based on the times set forth by the court. However, when you and your spouse choose to pursue divorce mediation, you both may choose the days and times to meet that work best for both of your schedules; and you can help choose the mediator.
Mediation allows spouses to think of creative solutions to issues in their divorce that a judge may not have identified. When both parties have been involved in creating the terms of the divorce, it is more likely both spouses will be satisfied with them and abide by them after the divorce has been finalized. Many mediators are former judges, or attorneys with many years of experience in divorce and family law.
If you do not want a lot of public information out in the world regarding your divorce, mediation may be the best fit for your Minnesota divorce. This is because court filings are public records in a divorce, however, a mediator’s notes of your session are private.
While there are many benefits to divorce mediation for Minnesota couples, it is important to keep in mind that this option may not be the best fit for everyone. If there is a history of domestic violence, obvious power imbalance, or irreconcilable differences that have made it nearly impossible for spouses to try and negotiate,, mediation may not be the best path to take. However, if you believe that divorce mediation could be a great option to exit your marriage in an amicable and stress-free way, contact a Minnesota divorce attorney today, like Knutson + Casey.
Divorce may be a painful and stressful process for all parties involved. However, you do not need to go through your divorce alone. The divorce attorneys at Knutson + Casey offer clients the option to get through their divorce proceedings as stress-free as possible using the mediation process.
For trusted mediation services as you look to finalize your Minnesota divorce, call (507) 344-8888 or use our contact form.
Knutson and Casey Expert Legal Team
July 3, 2024
At Knutson+Casey, we take the time to understand each distinctive matter presented to us by a client in need of assistance. We make certain that our clients understand their options and can make informed decisions regarding the progress of their cases. We have 4 bar certified attorneys as well as 5 expert paralegals on staff to review all legal information and cases presented.