Bend Mediation Attorneys
A Knowledgeable Legal Team Here to Help Clients Going Through the Oregon Divorce Process with Our Compassionate Mediation Services
Going through the divorce process can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging, even in the most ideal circumstances. Divorce cases that involve minor children must deal with questions of child support, other divorce proceedings must address the concerns of alimony or spousal support, and virtually all divorce cases must deal with the division of marital property and any shared debts between the parties. In many divorce matters, when there is more on the line regarding reaching a fair divorce settlement, these family law issues often become more contentious as both spouses fight over what they believe they deserve.
In divorce matters where spouses cannot reach a compromise on important factors relevant to the proceedings, the case may end up going to court, becoming the subject of a costly trial before a family law judge. However, by exploring different alternative dispute resolution measures, such as mediation or arbitration, it may be possible to meet each individual’s specific needs without the necessity of courtroom litigation.
In divorce mediation, a neutral third-party listens to the questions and concerns of the divorcing spouses and helps them reach common ground in a confidential process that aims to achieve a favorable outcome for both sides. Mediation provides an opportunity to achieve some level of conflict resolution and preserve relationships to ensure a healthier future for your family, even after divorce. However, going into the mediation sessions can feel overwhelming, and it is often necessary to enter the process with dedicated legal representation in your corner.
Our Oregon law firm proudly provides dedicated and compassionate legal services to clients undergoing divorce proceedings or legal separations. As your legal representatives, our practice will assist you throughout the mediation negotiations and help you reach a divorce agreement that serves your best interests. To learn more about our divorce mediation services, please contact our law office to schedule your initial consultation today.
What is the Role of a Divorce Mediator?
The divorce mediator is a neutral person, usually a legal professional and sometimes a family lawyer, who helps couples negotiate for a favorable outcome in their divorce proceedings.
If the mediation attempt is successful, both parties will feel they have reached acceptable compromises on the way to ending their marriage.
Trained divorce mediators can help divorcing spouses reach compromises on various family law issues, including the following:
- Child custody and parenting time
- The division of marital assets, money, and debts
- Spousal support payments, also known as alimony or spousal maintenance
- Child support obligations
- And more
How Does the Mediation Process Help Resolve Disputes with the Other Side in Contentious Family Law Cases?
In a courtroom trial, the judge involved would make the final decision about the divorce settlement and the family’s future. Mediation allows divorcing spouses to discuss their goals and talk directly to one another to reach common ground.
Unlike courtroom litigation, the divorcing spouses retain control in mediation sessions, and the mediator has no final say in the outcome. For those hoping to decide the outcome of their divorce proceedings, it would be preferable for the spouses to attempt to reach an agreeable deal via mediation.
We encourage you to contact experienced family law attorneys to evaluate whether your divorce case is well-suited to mediation.
What Are Some of the Benefits of the Divorce Mediation Process?
There are several benefits to choosing divorce mediation over a litigated divorce, including the following:
- Mediation is often a more cost-effective alternative to resolving conflicts during contested divorce proceedings. Legal matters can quickly become costly when a divorce goes to trial
- While all divorce cases take time, the proceedings are generally faster when the spouses choose to act on the option of mediation. Whereas a contested divorce may take several months or even over a year to resolve, a mediated divorce can be decided much more quickly
- Divorce mediation is not a matter of winners and losers. The hope of a successful mediation session is for the spouses to sign the necessary documents and devise a plan together. As the spouses are expected to work together to reach a resolution, this often diminishes the necessity for additional conflict
- Whereas divorce trials are public and ultimately decided by judges, mediation is private and leaves the outcome up to the spouses involved in the negotiations
- Divorce cases that involve minor children are always more difficult than those without children. Your child will typically fare much better, and your family’s future will be healthier if you and the other parent can cooperate and come to an agreement in the mediation proceedings
Are You a Suitable Candidate to Consider Mediation for Your Family Law Issues?
If you and your spouse decide to end your marriage, you may benefit from divorce mediation. The mediation process is beneficial for divorcing couples who want to limit unnecessary conflict or disagreements, for fear of how it may affect the family unit, particularly the children.
One of the challenges of divorce mediation is that it requires the two spouses to communicate and cooperate throughout the proceedings. If there is a significant disconnect between the spouses and they cannot speak respectfully to one another, mediation may fail to resolve disputes between them.
Additionally, divorce mediation may not be suitable if your relationship involves unequal power dynamics, a history of domestic violence or abuse, or if one of the spouses is making unreasonable demands in negotiations.
When in the Divorce Proceedings Should You Consider Hiring a Neutral Mediator?
Ultimately, you can hire a mediator at virtually any time during the divorce proceedings, including before you file for divorce, right after filing, or in the middle of the legal process.
If your goal in choosing mediation over litigation is to save money and time, we recommend considering the legal services of divorce mediators sooner rather than later.
Contact Our Bend Law Offices to Request a Consultation with Our Experienced Divorce Mediation Lawyers Today
While there are many benefits to divorce mediation sessions, there is no guarantee that the process will resolve differences with the other party. If you cannot resolve your conflicts with the other spouse, you may need to consider litigation to achieve your specific goals. But until that time, it may be worth giving mediation a chance, as there are several benefits to selecting this alternative dispute resolution process over a courtroom trial.
If you try to mediate your differences with the help of a neutral third party, you would be well served by retaining professional legal counsel from experienced divorce attorneys who can remind you of your rights and responsibilities as you attempt to negotiate for a favorable outcome.
Our Central Oregon law firm proudly serves clients in Jackson, Jefferson, Crook, and Deschutes counties in these and other family law issues. To learn more about our divorce mediation services and how we may assist you during this difficult time, please contact our law office to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation today.
You can schedule your case review by either contacting us through our website contact form or by calling our office at (541) 546-1713.