Is Mediation Right for Me?
Not all couples are ready for mediation. Mediation can only work when both sides agree to mediate. Sometimes, parties are too raw and emotional at the beginning of a divorce or separation. It takes time to get to a place where you are ready to “meet in the middle,” which is kind of the goal of mediation.
What is mediation? Mediation is a process where two parties meet to discuss an amicable way to settle a dispute outside of court. Mediation is a confidential process; that means anything that is discussed is kept private and cannot be used in court.
If you are currently preparing for divorce or separation, you and your partner might not currently agree to everything regarding the terms of your separation or divorce. When it comes down to preparing for trial for a family law matter, what it all really boils down to is determining custody, parenting time, and division of assets. Maybe the both of you can come to an agreement as to the terms of custody, parenting time, and the division of assets. If you can, Mediation might be the place where you will want to start. It might take a couple of tries to get to that comfortable spot (you don’t have to get it all right the first time) where you and your partner can both walk away satisfied—maybe neither of you getting exactly what you want, but at least at the end of it, your fate is not in the hands of someone else.
One of the greatest perks about reaching a stipulated agreement through mediation is that you and your partner may agree to Joint Custody. In fact, this is the only way that joint custody can be granted in a custody case. If your custody matter goes to trial, a Judge can only award sole custody to only one parent; a Judge cannot award joint custody in the state of Oregon.
It is important to keep in mind that child custody matters take time to resolve. A Judgment can take anywhere from six months to one year to be entered in a child custody matter. Mediation can help speed this process along.
Take your time getting to that place where you are ready to mediate. Get clear on what is in the best interest of the children. Have a good idea formulated in your mind about what it is exactly that you want from the final Order of the Court. Find a mediator you both can trust. I am now accepting new clients. Call today for a free consultation (541) 914-3439!
