Divorce Mediation: A Valuable Option For Divorcing Couples In Cincinnati

When a couple decides to end their marriage, divorce mediation is a valuable option. Mediation allows a divorcing couple to work together to reach the terms of their own divorce settlement. In Cincinnati, divorce lawyer John Heilbrun has over 35 years of legal experience. He founded The Law Office of John Heilbrun to help clients in Hamilton County and its surrounding Ohio communities navigate challenging family law scenarios, like divorce.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution that allows opposing parties to actively participate in resolving their issues in an attempt to reach a settlement agreement. In a divorce, most courts will strongly encourage a couple to attempt mediation as part of the divorce process. Spouses, usually with the assistance of their own attorneys, will choose a mediator to work with them on resolving their issues.

What Does A Mediator Do?

A mediator acts as a neutral third party to facilitate agreements on the parties’ contested issues. The mediator’s role is to assist the spouses in coming to an agreement on all of their issues. Most mediators are likely to be attorneys themselves, with substantial knowledge and experience in cases involving divorce, child custody and other family law matters. However, a mediator will remain a neutral third party during the mediation process. They will not advise either party. Therefore, usually, divorcing couples attend mediation with their own attorneys to advise them of their rights and responsibilities throughout the process.

The Value And Benefits Of Choosing Mediation

There is no question that divorce is an emotional time and a tough transition. But if the parties are able to put their differences aside and work together to resolve their differences, there are several advantages to choosing mediation, including:

• The parties are able to maintain complete control over all of the decisions that have to be made when a marriage dissolves, such as the division of property, child custody, spousal maintenance and support.
• Mediation usually decreases the level of frustration, emotional tumult and stress that naturally come with the end of a marriage because it allows the parties to actively participate in a resolution.
• Divorcing spouses are generally more likely to follow the directives of the resulting court order. When a spouse actively agrees to the outcome, they are more likely to follow it, thereby minimizing the risk that courts will need to get involved again later.
• Mediation is cost-effective and efficient. Parties who agree to mediation also choose the timeline, meaning that mediation can resolve issues much faster than waiting for the case to work its way through the lengthy court process. Saving time also saves parties money.

If the process of mediation is successful, the mediator will prepare a summary of the settlement terms and agreements.

While mediation is a great option and has the potential to be successful for most couples, it doesn’t always work for everyone. Both parties have to be able to set their differences aside and work together to find common ground. If a spouse is navigating issues of abuse and control within a dissolving marriage, the parties might not be capable of working together. Choosing an experienced divorce lawyer will help you understand if it is a viable option for your case.

What Does A Divorce Lawyer Do During Mediation?

At The Law Office of John Heilbrun, divorce attorney John Heilbrun provides thorough, detailed and personalized representation to his clients based on the facts of their case and their legal goals. At the initial client meeting, he will evaluate the facts of your case, assess the situation and discuss your various options. He will help you better understand if mediation is an option for your scenario.

During the mediation process, sometimes attorneys become actively involved in the negotiation to help resolve the parties’ issues. Other times, attorneys remain in a supporting and advising role and let their clients take the lead. In either scenario, attorney John Heilbrun is there to protect your rights, help you understand your responsibilities and facilitate a resolution to your legal challenges.

If mediation is successful, the attorneys for the parties will use the mediator’s summary to draft a formal settlement agreement. Ultimately, the parties will sign this agreement, and it will be sent to the court for approval. After which, the court will issue an order to formally terminate the marriage.

Consult An Experienced Cincinnati Divorce Mediation Attorney Today

It is important to understand that in a divorce, there are many different options to effectively end your marriage. At The Law Office of John Heilbrun, attorney John Heilbrun can help you better understand what all of those options are, based on the facts of your specific case.

He is available for a confidential, no-obligation appointment. To schedule an initial consultation, contact him at 513-548-5606 or send him a message through his website.