10 Benefits of Mediation

Mediation is a positive alternative to traditional court proceedings, especially in the family law arena which deals with sensitive and complex issues.  Mediation is an out-of-court process that involves a neutral, third party [the mediator] who facilitates a conversation between spouses to help them reach a mutually satisfying resolution.  Below are 10 key benefits of the mediation process.

  1. Cost-effective.
  2. The parties control the discussion and outcome.
  3. The mediator can provide more time and attention; the parties are not just another case number to be called by the Judge after sitting for hours in the courtroom.
  4. The parties do not have to feel pressured or rushed into a decision.  The parties can control the tempo and the timeline based on their unique circumstances.
  5. Mediation leads to detailed and well-thought-out resolutions.
  6. Allows for greater stability post-divorce, as parties will often have a step-by-step game plan for handling issues that arise and/or they agree to return to mediation.
  7. The parties can agree to invite various professionals to the mediation sessions to help explore options.  For example, the parties may want a mortgage lender on hand to discuss refinancing options or a CPA to discuss tax consequences of certain transactions.
  8. Confidential and private.  If a resolution is not reached at mediation, conversations that took place during the mediation cannot be used against either party at a later date in Court.  As for privacy, mediation often takes place in the attorney's or mediator's office and when an agreement is reached, a private Mediation Agreement is drafted and signed by the parties and it does not have to be filed with the Court. 
  9.  Encourages creative problem solving unique to each family, not cookie-cutter solutions/agreements.
  10. Preserves Relationships. Mediation encourages a respectful restructuring of the family, helping the parties to think about goals versus positions.

Attorney Jessica Pospiech Heltsley enjoys her role as a mediator.  She has helped many couples successfully restructure during their divorce process and, ultimately, save a lot of time, money, and stress.  If you are interested in hearing more about mediation and Jessica's process, please do not hesitate to reach out: (734) 531-8554; jessica@mifamilylawfirm.com.