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Many couples choose alternatives to court for their divorce, like mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce. At Twyford Law Office, our experienced divorce attorneys use these methods to resolve issues quickly and cost-effectively, reducing stress and saving money. Contact us at (206) 590-7085 for guidance from a Seattle mediation and dispute resolution lawyer; your initial consultation is free!
Our attorneys have over 33 years of combined using alternative dispute resolution for our divorce clients. We have years of experience representing clients in cases involving child custody, child support, divorce, property division, and more.
Our legal team has the knowledge needed to assess your case and advise you of potential court outcomes versus remaining in mediation or another alternative dispute resolution method. Contact our law office in Seattle, Spokane, or our Bellevue law office and learn how Twyford Law Office can help your case.
Should you choose to attend mediation without the assistance of counsel, have an independent legal advisor from Twyford Law Office on hand to discuss any issues before and during the mediation process. This helps to ensure the following:
Any mediation agreement is presented to the judge for signature at an uncontested hearing at which you and your spouse must appear. It is imperative your attorney review any mediation agreement before this hearing.
If the Judge does not find the agreement fair and reasonable, they can deny your request to obtain the divorce. At Twyford Law Office, our Seattle mediation and dispute resolution attorneys ensure your mediation agreement meets your understanding and expectations and that the Judge will approve it at your hearing.
Mediation is a private process using the help of a neutral third party to reach agreements together with your spouse. A skilled dispute resolution lawyer in Seattle can provide guidance on the different styles of mediation available. The goal of all mediation is to reach mutually acceptable agreements that work for both spouses.
Anything that can be disputed in divorce can be addressed in mediation. This includes, but is not limited to:
Mediation can take several two-hour sessions to complete. The number of sessions depends on a couple’s specific situation and needs. The role of the court is limited to approving any agreements and declaring the divorce.
Lawyers are recommended to assist with legal issues, formalizing any agreements, and streamlining the court process. However, they do not attend mediation. Mediators are not allowed to give legal advice.
Mediation and collaborative divorce are different dispute-resolution processes. Both are agreed to by the couple, and both can achieve excellent results. However, the professional support is much different.
In a collaborative divorce, there is no neutral third party. Instead, each spouse has a collaborative attorney. This attorney is responsible for that spouse and co-facilitates the negotiations, often with an additional financial specialist and divorce coach.
Everyone works as a team to resolve the couple’s issues in a collaborative divorce, with the support of a Seattle mediation attorney when needed.
An arbitrator is a private judge who makes binding decisions after hearing arguments and considering the evidence. The process is similar to a court hearing or trial. Arbitration decisions typically cannot be appealed.
In mediation and collaborative divorce, couples make their own decisions about their future. A Seattle dispute resolution attorney can help clarify the differences between these processes and ensure that clients choose the method best suited to their needs.
Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging and painful experiences one can endure. Having a Seattle mediation and dispute resolution lawyer by your side makes divorce more tolerable and ensures your rights are protected throughout the process.
At Twyford Law Office, we know there is no one answer to settling every divorce. That is why our attorneys assess the unique details of your case and choose the best possible avenue for success without trying to force you in a particular direction. Sometimes, this means alternative dispute resolution.
Contact us today at (206) 590-7085 to learn whether alternative dispute resolution is suitable for your divorce. Your consultation is completely confidential.
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