Divorce Mediation in St. Louis
Finding Amicable Solutions for Divorcing Couples in St. Charles County
Every family is unique. In a divorce or dissolution of a marriage, a settlement
should be tailored to fit the individual needs of each family. Unfortunately,
when parties go through litigation, sometimes the decisions and ability
to customize matters are given to the judge.
This means the decision making power is taken away from the parties themselves-the ones who actually understand the situation. Mediation, on the other hand, restores power to the parties and lets them decide the settlement.
If mediation sounds like it may be beneficial to your case, it is time to reach out to Family Law Partners to discuss your case. We can review your marital situation and help you determine if this is the right option for your divorce.
Ready to learn more? Call our St. Louis divorce mediation lawyers at (636) 742-1418 for trustworthy counsel.
How Does Divorce Mediation Work in Missouri?
The Missouri Supreme Court describes mediation as "the process in which a neutral third party facilitates communications between the parties to promote settlement". The mediator should bring a non-biased and comfortable approach that encourages problem-solving and resolution. Mediation sessions should be intended to solve one or more issues revolving around the divorce, or in some occasions it can even resolve the entire dispute. To get the most out of your divorce mediation sessions, here are a few things to remember:
- Be transparent about your case, including any property or debt that needs to be addressed.
- Be respectful of each other's time; allow one another to speak freely and openly.
- Come to mediation with a problem-solving mindset.
Some of the issues involved in mediation include the following:
- Child custody and visitation
- Spousal maintenance
- Child support
- Property and debt division
Many people believe once they have mediated and resolved the issues, the case is over. However, this is incorrect. It is important to note that once the case is mediated and settled, settlement paperwork must be prepared, signed, and submitted to the court by counsel. It is also common to mediate and resolve some matters but not others. However, even this will help the attorneys narrow the issues in the case and decide which matters need to be litigated.
Mediation is becoming increasingly popular, and some courts are requiring that the parties attend mediation before discussing substantive issues with the judge to eliminate disputes. It is important to know which cases should and should not be mediated, though, as a spouse enduring domestic violence or coercion may not be the best candidate for mediation.
Curious about divorce mediation in St. Louis? Contact our office to discuss the particulars of your case with our experienced divorce attorneys.