Greenville, SC Agreements Lawyer

What is Mediation?

Mediation is simply where the two parties who are involved in the dispute meet with a mediator in separate rooms and try to resolve their case without protracted litigation.

During the mediation, the parties are given assistance to try to resolve the problems. They know that the process is confidential, and there is no pressure to accept an order from the mediator. There is also no requirement to agree, but this process with no pressure can help people who are at odds.

Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution

The Judge in Family Court will order mediation because it is mandatory in most cases. Usually there are issues the parties feel strongly about, where it would be in their best interest to come to an amicable agreement.

Many times Family Court can feel adversarial, and it is always best if the parties involved in a dispute can come to some sort of mutual agreement. They will be more likely to be satisfied, and less likely to feel resentful later.

What kind of issues can be mediated

There are many issues that parties may disagree on which could cause them to ask for mediation, or where a judge could order them to go through the process.

These issues include:

• Visitation and other family time
• Decisions about the children, including everything from schools to medicine
• Child custody
• Child support issues
• How to file taxes and tax exemptions, such as which party will get to claim the children each year
• Who will pay for Medical Insurance and pay uncovered medical bills
• How to divide up Attorney Fees and other Professional Fees
• How to divide up the assets and debts

Is Mediation right for You?

Alternative Dispute Resolution is good because it actually resolves problems. When the problems are related to your children, it’s in your best interest and the other parents to find a way to work out problems and become comfortable with meeting on common ground.