FAQ: How Soon Can We Start With Mediation?

Right away!

There is a common misconception that Mediation can only take place at the end of a divorce case – right before trial.  This is completely false.

It is possible – and often best for the parties – to start mediation before any type of divorce (or other family law action) is filed. 

And there are many benefits to mediating first:

(1)   The decisions remain in the parties’ hands;

(2)   Creative, flexible, and unique agreements can be reached to meet your (and your children’s) needs and schedules;

(3)   Your matter is handled in privacy;

(4)   Where you might run into snags or disagreement,  you will be encouraged to engage in positive problem-solving with a highly trained professional – a mediator usually can help the parties overcome “speed bumps” with a wide variety of alternatives and solutions you may never had thought of on your own; and

(5)   Compared to litigation and preparing for trial, mediation is almost certainly far less costly.

Even if you have already consulted with an attorney, learning more about Mediation before your divorce action is filed may be a step in the right direction.  Mediation can be conducted with the parties on their own or with their attorneys and can flexibly accommodate many types of meeting – whether “in person,” using Zoom (or an online platform) or by telephone.  Mediation is smart, far more efficient than a court-based process, and it works.

To learn more about early-stage mediation, visit:  https://coulinglaw.com/mediation

PLEASE NOTE: This blog is not intended to constitute legal, financial and/or tax advice.  We do not recommend making important decisions of the type addressed in this article without specific legal or tax advice by a licensed accountant or lawyer.