Why Mediation Is One Of The Best Processes To Divorce In Michigan

Mediation is a voluntary, out-of-court method of resolving disputes or conflict between two or more parties. It is cheaper, quicker and easier than litigated divorce. In mediation, a third party (the mediator) helps you negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement. Mediation can be done with or without attorneys. Courtney Quist and Barbra Homier are each trained mediators and can mediate your case. Each attorney has over 20 years of family law experience to guide you in the divorce mediation process to a customized settlement.

Mediation is particularly effective for conflict resolution as it is far more structured, is private and confidential and has the advantage of allowing both parties to suggest solutions that may not normally be ordered if a judge were to decide your case.

Through the mediation process, an amicable, mutually beneficial resolution may be found, and, where a settlement agreement is reached and signed, is binding to both concerned.

Mediation will resolve the practical matters of separating your lives in a safe and controlled setting without the time and expense of litigated divorce. Divorce mediation enables you and your spouse to move on with your lives while retaining healthy relationships with your children and with each other.Courtney Quist and Barbra Homier with a combined 40 years of experience as family law attorneys will guide you through divorce, parenting time modifications, and other family law needs.

Timing To Participate in Mediation. You and your spouse can participate in mediation before either of you files for divorce. This is called “pre-filing mediation.” If you participate in pre-filing mediation and enter into a signed settlement agreement, at that point, you can proceed with your divorce using a simpler divorce process by filing a Joint Petition (Consent Judgment). If you are already in the process of your divorce, in most counties in Michigan, mediation is court ordered, so you will be required to participate in this mediation to try and resolve your divorce unless you already have a signed agreement in place. Mediation is not part of the Collaborative Divorce Process.

If you have children, below are the TIPS for successful child custody mediation:

• Consider getting legal advice from an attorney to get an idea of the legal pitfalls to avoid and legal interests to protect when it comes to custody.

• Write out daily schedules for yourself and your children.

• Prepare written custody and parenting time proposals. TIP: In preparing your custody and parenting time proposals, think of special circumstances such as holidays and birthdays. Also remember to plan for transportation details and exchange locations.

• Gather all relevant records about your child, such as report cards, letters from your child’s therapist, if these are relevant to your specific case.

• Be prepared to share why you believe your proposed parenting time schedule is best for your children. This is not about you. The schedule should be child focused not parent focused.