Seattle Mediation Attorney
If you are going through a divorce or need to resolve another type of family law case, it is possible that you will be ordered into mediation. Mediation is a type of nonlitigation meeting where opposing parties can discuss their issues out of court. The parties can meet with their attorneys as representatives, or just with each other and a third-party mediator.
Contact Our Seattle Divorce Lawyer To Get Your Matter Resolved
Mediation is a fantastic solution for resolving divorce issues without the imposition of a judge or the court. Nothing said in mediation can be used as evidence during a court hearing, so both parties can feel free to express themselves fully. In some cases, opposing parties can completely resolve their cases within mediation and just enter a solution into court. This saves money on court fees as well as diminishes the stress that comes with having to go to court.
At V. Freitas Law, our Seattle mediation attorneys can represent you during a session of mediation or conduct a session for you. Mediation can be scheduled to resolve settlement agreements, enforce court orders, discuss child custody and support matters, and much more.
Tips For Making Mediation Successful
Your legal adviser can be the difference between a prolonged, contentious divorce and one that is resolved expeditiously.
When considering a mediation attorney in Seattle, remember these pointers:
- Never underestimate the importance of experience. While there are some fine young mediation attorneys out there, finding someone who has been down this road time and time again can make all the difference in the world regarding your case.
- Look for a mediation attorney who knows how the other side is likely to present its case. The last thing you want in your divorce case is protracted litigation. Cases can drag on for months and even years, causing a great deal of stress, not to mention substantially increased expenses.
Once you have settled on your Seattle area legal team, make sure to do the following:
- Be clear with your attorney about your goals in mediation. Going the mediation route allows you to lessen the chances of conflict between you and your significant other.
- Listen to your attorney’s advice. Your mediation attorney will be able to advise you on what is a reasonable settlement range for all of the issues in your case. If your expectations are not reasonable, you are not likely to settle your case. Remember, the other party probably has an experienced attorney telling them what to expect and what is unreasonable. The mediator will usually share their opinion on what is a reasonable settlement with both sides as well.
As stressful as divorce can be, it can be made a little easier when you have the right mediation attorney in your corner giving you sound advice that you can rely upon.
When Mediation Becomes Divorce Litigation And Trial
Many counties require the parties to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process prior to trial. Most cases are resolved in mediation or at a settlement conference. The mediation process is more productive if discovery has been completed prior to engaging in mediation because the parties will know what their assets and liabilities are and what their assets are worth. The parenting evaluator’s recommendation should be known prior to mediation as well.
If the case does not settle in mediation, it will proceed to trial. Family law trials are decided by judges, not juries. The judge will hear testimony from the parties and their witnesses, after which the court will decide parenting and property issues.
Providing Attorney Representation In Seattle, Washington, Since 1991
Mediation is a fantastic solution for resolving divorce issues without the imposition of a judge or the court. Nothing said in mediation can be used as evidence during a court hearing so both parties can feel free to express themselves fully. In some cases, opposing parties can completely resolve their cases within mediation and just enter a solution into court. This saves money on court fees as well as diminishes the stress that comes with having to go to court.
If you have a family law case that needs to be resolved, contact our firm today for an initial evaluation of your case. Call 206-536-2875.