Navigating family conflict can be daunting, as the discussions often involve complicated emotions. If you are struggling with a family dispute, such as divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, or another similar matter, court — with its expense and stress — is not your only option. Fortunately, mediation offers disputing parties an alternative to litigation; rather than presenting your case before a judge, you and the other parties work together with the support of a neutral third party to see if together you can craft a solution that is in your child’s best interest. Family court judges encourage mediation because they know the relative informality of mediation encourages creativity and collaboration, allowing you to move forward feeling more in control of your future.
A Customizable Process
In a traditional courtroom, the judge presides over the case and determines the eventual outcome. The parties participate according to courtroom rules, and the judge’s decision has to stay within the limits set on their authority by state law. . In contrast, mediation asks the parties to take an active role in shaping the direction of the conversation. The mediator will work with the parties to determine the most natural and productive way of fostering open, honest communication regarding these challenging topics. As the parties control the negotiations, the mediation process allows for greater flexibility and customization to ensure the parties arrive at an agreement.
Exploring a Variety of Options and Solutions
Mediation works because you know your life and your family better than a judge ever will. The back-and-forth nature of mediation encourages the parties to listen to one another and find a solution that suits them both. Difficult decisions, such as determining which spouse will remain in the house or creating a child custody arrangement that supports the child’s best interests, can be explored with more nuance and attention than the litigation process typically affords. The mediator can help the parties explore various options and solutions to arrive at a well-informed and mutually beneficial decision.
Carrying Open Communication Forward
One of the most significant benefits of mediation is how the process establishes open and honest communication. This experience often helps the parties carry these practices into the future, creating stronger and clearer communication habits. Should disagreements arise, the participants possess some tools to help them navigate the situation. Many mediation participants report feeling empowered by the process, as they’ve sharpened their listening and collaboration skills to arrive at a satisfying resolution.
If you’re interested in learning more about the mediation process in Minneapolis, call Rubric Legal LLC today at (612) 465-0074.