Mediation is a method of resolving disputes in which individuals or groups in conflict meet with a neutral person who assists them reach an agreement that resolves the dispute. The mediator does not judge, determine merit, or favor one side over the other.
Divorce Mediation
Mediation is an ideal means of resolution for most couples that are divorcing – even those couples that agree about very little. CFR Mediation builds on the tiniest of agreements, assisting the couple in creating a plan that works for their unique situation.
After the divorce or breakup, some couples are able to end their relationship completely. However, couples with children are going to have to maintain a somewhat close relationship for years. Mediation allows parents to create a plan for co-parenting that is uniquely tailored to their children and parenting relationship.
Some important aspects of CFR Mediation:
- Mediation is voluntary. Those who participate must choose to participate. As a result either party can end mediation at any time. In other words – All parties must agree to participate before mediation can even begin.
- Mediator is a neutral participant in process. The CFR mediator does not judge, advise, cajole, or make a decision as to what either party should agree to.
- Clients are in control of the resolution/agreement. The parties agree to the resolution of the dispute. No one comes out of mediation with an order to do something they have not agreed to.
- Agreements reached in mediation are as legally binding as any contract. In addition, since the agreements are reached with the full cooperation and involvement of the parties, adherence is greater than judgments rendered through the litigation process.
- Facilitated communication. Often those who come to mediation are absolutely unable to discuss the conflict calmly. The presence of a CFR Mediator mitigates the communication difficulties, and actively guides the parties towards a cooperative solution.
- Mediation is cost-effective. Mediation tends to be significantly less expensive than litigation. When people chose to resolve disputes – including settling the terms of their divorce – through attorneys, the fees almost always are higher and the process significantly longer than if those to mediate. What can take 6 to 10 hours of mediation can take ten times that amount in billable time for attorneys – a savings of tens of 1000s of dollars for couples.
For many couples, the reason to choose mediation is cost savings.
A divorce settlement worked out through attorneys can easily cost couples $25,000 (2 attorneys x reviewing documents x client meetings x settlement conferences x settlement writing x hourly fee)
In addition to cost savings, couples who choose to mediate their divorce settlement and parenting plan, end up with decreased levels of stress and significantly higher levels of satisfaction – both in the process and result.