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Mediation is a confidential problem-solving process where a neutral, impartial third party assists the individuals engaging in conflict or transition to reach a voluntary agreement. In family law cases, it helps protect privacy, minimize stress on children, and gives parties more control over the outcome of their divorce, separation or parenting determination. A Cincinnati mediation lawyer helps spouses and co-parents find a resolution that supports their family’s future, all while staying “at the table” and out of court.
Resolve Your Family Law Matter Without Court Intervention
At The Family Law and Fertility Law Group, we have attorneys who are certified mediators through the State of Ohio. Our attorneys have extensive experience in both mediation and other alternative dispute resolution. We have decades of combined legal experience in areas of law that impact families.
Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution processes help families maintain control over their lives and work together on their future. Our legal team knows how important that is. Our mediators have a passion for helping families avoid the court process to promote a positive, sustaining relationship for the future.
The Basics of Mediation in Cincinnati
Mediation is one form of alternative dispute resolution, which allows parties to reach an agreement and resolution to their case. The tool of mediation can help create a faster and less stressful, more creative resolution to the case, minimize the often-antagonistic litigation process, and even promote collaboration between co-parents.
In Ohio, spouses can create a Separation Agreement outside of court to determine decisions surrounding the division of their marital property and the awarding of spousal support.
Mediation is also frequently used to resolve the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. Parents can work together to create a plan that is tailored to their family’s needs and their children’s interests. Ohio courts may order mediation when parents cannot agree on an arrangement for child custody, requiring parents to find a resolution.
What Are the Benefits of Mediation in Family Law?
Alternative dispute resolution and mediation have several benefits for many families navigating divorce, separation, child custody, and other family law cases. Some benefits of mediation include that the process is:
- Informal. Mediation is less formal than going to court, which can make it easier on the whole family. It also allows you and your spouse or co-parent to determine what you discuss with fewer legal confines.
- Flexible. You aren’t required to adhere to the court’s schedule like a trial, and the location and timing of mediation meetings can be tailored to your family’s schedule.
- More controlled. Mediation resolves when you and the other party reach a conclusion and file it with the court. This gives you control over the outcome of your divorce, separation, or allocation of parental rights and responsibilities case, rather than the case resolving whenever the court reaches a decision. You can take the time to create a plan that better suits your family’s unique needs.
- Private. Alternative dispute resolution methods are confidential, while court cases are public record.
- Fast. Mediated divorces and family cases tend to resolve more quickly than proceeding through litigation or filing in court. This is because you aren’t relying on the court’s availability, and issues tend to be resolved more quickly through communication when spouses or co-parents work together.
- Less costly. Because mediated cases are faster and involve fewer court appearances, they tend to be much less expensive.
Mediation also helps you maintain or even improve your relationship with the other party, which is especially important if you are entering into a Shared Parenting Plan.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Mediator in Cincinnati?
It is important to hire a qualified mediator for your family law mediation in Cincinnati, as it helps you create an agreement that is fair, while also making the negotiation process simpler.
The final agreement typically has to be approved by the court, such as the Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations Court or Hamilton County Juvenile Court. Approval is required for custody arrangements. An attorney helps you create an agreement that the court is likely to approve. They will know the state and local laws that may affect your unique situation and help you find solutions for those issues.
A mediation attorney also facilitates discussions between you and your spouse or co-parent. This makes it easier to stay on topic and communicate your wishes and find resolution.
FAQs
Q: What is the Cost of Mediation in Ohio?
A: The cost of mediation in Ohio will depend on how long the process is, your unique circumstances, and the experience of the mediator. Mediation is generally not as costly as litigating your parenting plan, divorce or separation, as there are fewer court costs, and it can be resolved more quickly.
Q: Is Mediation Confidential?
A: Yes, mediation is confidential. The discussions that are held during mediation remain private and are not part of public records. Information that is discussed also cannot be used as evidence in court, should mediation fail, and the case proceeds to litigation.
Q: What Shouldn’t You Say During Mediation?
A: Mediation in family law works when both parties are willingly working towards a resolution, even if the conversation is tough
While parties don’t have to agree on everything, it is important that you both aim for compromise and a cooperative resolution. If either party refuses to engage in mediation, the process will not be useful.
Work With a Cincinnati Mediator at The Family Law and Fertility Law Group
Mediation is not for every family, but it could be an easier way for you to resolve your case. Schedule a consultation if you are interested in resolving your case with a certified attorney mediator.