When a dispute relating to your marriage or children arises, it’s natural to experience a range of emotions. These matters tend to be deeply personal, and you may struggle with navigating these private issues. In Minnesota, mediation offers a supportive environment in which family law disputes may be resolved. Many people who participate in mediation report feeling more in control over their futures, as the collaborative process allows the parties themselves to determine the outcome. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about the family law mediation process in Minneapolis.
How Does Mediation Work?
In a traditional courtroom, both parties (and their respective attorneys) will make their case in front of a judge, who will issue a final judgment. While mediation is also a form of dispute resolution, it differs from litigation in several ways. Unlike a judge, the mediator facilitates conversations between the disputing parties but has no say over the outcome. Instead, the parties negotiate the resolution, ultimately making the process more collaborative and empowering. Their agreement can be submitted to the court to be adopted as a binding order.
What Steps Does Mediation Involve?
During the initial session, the mediator will provide an overview of the process to help you get a sense of what to expect. The mediator will help the parties determine what documents, financial information, or other data may be necessary to bring to the mediation session. During mediation, the mediator will guide the parties through discussions about each issue (i.e., property division, child custody, etc.) and encourage them to arrive at a workable solution. Once a tentative agreement has been reached, the formal agreement will be prepared to conclude the process.
Is Mediation Right For Me?
Mediation offers several benefits and helps many disputes arrive at peaceful resolutions. Mediation takes considerably less time to conclude than litigation, saving you time, money, and stress. Mediation also enables you to avoid public disclosure of sensitive personal and financial information, as the entire process remains confidential. The success of mediation often stems from its collaborative approach to dispute resolution, as the parties feel empowered to make their own decisions and create a solid foundation from which they may move forward. In most cases, judges require the parties to try some kind of alternative dispute resolution; most choose some form of mediation. Many people find success through mediation, but if you aren’t able to reach agreement during the process, you can always return to court.
If you are struggling with a family law dispute in Minneapolis or St. Paul, call Rubric Legal LLC today at (612) 465-0074 to learn more about our mediation services.