What Is A Mediated Divorce | Santa Clarita Divorce
A divorce mediator is a neutral third party who sits down with the divorcing couple together to try and help you resolve some or all of the issues of your divorce.
It is not up to the mediator to make any decisions for you, rather they simply mediate by keeping the communication lines open between you so you can continue to negotiate the terms of the divorce and come to an agreement on any remaining issues.
Why would you want to use a mediator? Because it costs less than hiring an attorney and going to court, for one. Mediation is a less costly alternative than going to court and hiring attorneys. While you can still expect to pay attorney type hourly fees in the several hundred dollars per hour area, you are only paying one person as opposed to two separate attorneys.
More important than money, perhaps, is that mediation is a good way to work through the issues. Ultimately, if you do not agree to the issues among yourselves, you will have to leave it up to a judge to decide. I don’t think a judge can make a better decision about your family than you can. Do you?
Now there is really no reason you have to hire a professional mediator in some cases. Why not just try to sit down at the kitchen table and try and work it out. That is what I tell my clients. The more time you spend at the kitchen table trying to work out your issues, even thought it will be difficult, will save you time and money in the long run. Not to mention lessen the emotional toll divorce can take on you.
And before you run out an spend money on a divorce mediator, remember that there are court facilitators at the court that is free of charge. So if you have some issues with child custody or visitation or spousal support, for instance, you can always make an appointment with the court to have them help you resolve your issues.
