While many couples take their divorce matters to court, others consider alternatives such as mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce. If you are interested in alternative dispute resolution methods to dissolve your marriage, Twyford Law Office can help.
At Twyford Law Office, our experienced divorce attorneys use mediation techniques and other alternative dispute resolution methods to quickly and effectively resolve issues for our clients. These are practical solutions to save families money and reduce the stress that a divorce can bring on a family.
Contact Twyford Law Office today to speak with our divorce attorneys. We have:
More than forty years of experience using alternative dispute resolution for our divorce clients;
Knowledge in all applicable state divorce laws and procedures regarding alternative dispute resolution; and
The knowledge needed to assess your case and advise you of potential court outcomes versus remaining in mediation or another alternative dispute resolution method.
Let Our Mediation and Dispute Resolution Attorneys Help You
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:
You understand your legal rights;
You make educated decisions throughout mediation;
You know what exchanges or sacrifices you are willing to make; and
You are treated fairly.
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, we ensure your mediation agreement meets your understandings and expectations and that the Judge will approve it at your hearing.
What Is Divorce and Separation Mediation?
Mediation is a private process using the help of a neutral third party to reach agreements together with your spouse. There are different styles of mediation, but 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:
Parenting plans;
Property;
Debt;
Child support; and
Spousal maintenance.
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.
How Does Mediation Differ from Collaborative Divorce?
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 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.
How Does Mediation Differ From Arbitration and Collaborative Divorce?
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.
Contact a Seattle Mediation and Dispute Resolution Attorney
Going through a divorce is one of the most challenging and painful experiences one can endure. Having a knowledgeable legal team 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 our office in Seattle today to learn whether alternative dispute resolution is suitable for your divorce. Your consultation is completely confidential.
