Mediation

Deciding to get a divorce is a big decision. Deciding how to get divorced is just as important. While traditional divorce is always an option, many couples want to find a more productive, cost-efficient way to resolve issues and dissolve their marriage. 

Mediation is just one way in which couples can dissolve their marriage and avoid the costs of a traditional divorce. This option is suitable for spouses who may agree on key terms for the divorce and want to maintain an amicable relationship - even as they part ways.

However, mediation is not just for separating couples. The mediation process can be used to resolve any number of family law disputes, from parenting time arrangements during the holidays to custody disputes.

What Is The Goal Of Mediation?

The goal of mediation is to reach a mutual agreement. During mediation, couples discuss terms such as property distribution, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Couples may also elect to mediate issues that arise after a divorce has been finalized.

How Does Mediation Work?

In mediation, both parties will meet with a neutral mediator. Unlike a judge in family law court, a mediator does not make final decisions. Rather, it is up to the couple to arrive at agreeable terms with the mediator’s assistance and guidance.  In fact, you do not need to speak with an attorney before beginning mediation. For many individuals who are facing a family law dispute and unsure of where to turn first, mediation is often the best first step.

To get started, both parties must agree to mediation and hire a mediator. Should you choose Wagner & Bloch, we will screen both parties to make sure everyone is on the same page before moving forward. In the event that no other attorneys are involved, we meet with each party individually first to discuss their desired outcomes before proceeding to mediation. In most cases, mediation consists of about three sessions.

If mediation is successful, we will outline the agreement for both parties. In Ohio, mediation alone is non-binding without drafting a formal agreement. The parties can choose to take the agreement to an attorney who can then draft the final paperwork.

What Are The Benefits Of Mediation?

Divorce mediation empowers couples to participate in decisions that will affect their futures for years to come. Unlike filing for a divorce, which places important decisions in the hands of a judge, mediation allows couples to develop solutions that suit their individual interests and needs.

Mediation empowers you to participate in decisions that will shape your future for many years to come.

Here are just a few of the benefits of mediation:

• You are able to choose your mediator as opposed to being assigned to a judge
• You get to meet in an attorney's office instead of going to court
• You decide when you meet for negotiation rather than a court-assigned date and time
• You have control over the process and the outcome
• You can save both time and money often associated with full legal representation

The mediation process also fosters trust and goodwill between parties - which is important for navigating matters such as joint custody once a divorce has been finalized. In fact, many individuals elect to write mediation into divorce agreements and parenting plans, requiring both parties to attend mediation before any court documents can be filed in response to future disputes.

Is Mediation Right For You?

We understand that every case is different. While mediation may seem like an ideal solution, it may not be right for everyone. For example, mediation is not appropriate in situations where one partner is the victim of domestic abuse, or there is a power imbalance in the relationship. Our team at Wagner & Bloch will assess the unique facts of your situation to help you choose whether a mediation strategy is the right model to achieve the best outcome for you and your family.

Mediation can be very effective for parties who are able to cooperatively engage in the process. By focusing solely on family law, our team understands how the law applies to your case and can be very direct and knowledgeable in your mediation.

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How To Get Started

If given the choice, how would you want your divorce to be handled? Would you want it to be time spent fighting or time spent working toward accomplishing a resolution with an equitable outcome for you and your family?

At Wagner & Bloch, we bring our family law experience to the mediation process, helping individuals navigate often nuanced and difficult decisions about their marriages, co-parenting obligations, and finances. If you are currently facing a family law dispute and are unsure of what to do next, mediation may be right for you.

Contact us today to learn more about mediation and how you can get the process started.