Mediation a gentler solution


Why Divorce Mediation?

As we all well know, divorce is a very difficult time in the lives of all those
involved.  Many decisions must be made.  There is usually a great deal of
resentment, disappointment, sometimes anger and sadness.  This goes for
the divorcing couple as well as their family members and especially if there
are children involved.

Our office provides divorce mediation services for the couple wishing to
reach an agreement they can live with during their separation and divorce.  

We also handle Mediation of Modification of  Child Support , Visitation,
Custody , etc. ..  

This process takes the fight out of the battle that usually takes place in the
court system.  

Divorce mediation is quicker, significantly less expensive and less
adversarial which is why mediation has become the preferred alternative to
litigation.

My goal as a mediator is to help opposing parties find a " win- win " solution
to their dispute.  


What is Mediation?
Mediation is the process of bringing about a peaceful settlement or
compromise between individual disputants through the objective
intervention of an experienced impartial third party. The impartial third party,
or mediator, interacts closely with both parties to work out a legally binding
agreement based on both parties' needs and desires. The mediator does
not make any decisions  for you ,only helps the parties reach their own
agreement. The mediator may not force or impose a settlement. Decisions
are to be made voluntarily by the parties themselves. The mediator shall not
coerce  or unfairly influence a party into a settlement agreement. The
mediator shall preserve and maintain confidentiality of all mediation  
proceeding. Information obtained in an individual caucus with one party shall
also remain confidential from the other party unless disclosure is authorized.

Why should I use mediation instead of traditional
divorce procedures?
Mediation is the peaceful, less expensive alternative to the traditional, costly,
adversarial divorce process.  Divorcing  through the mediation process will
not only save you time, but it will save you money and greatly reduce
emotional distress.

How much does mediation cost?
Mediation costs much less than traditional litigation. There are absolutely no
preset limit for the length of the mediation  and you pay as you go.  My fee for
service is $80.00 per hour to be divided equally among the parties and is
payable at the conclusion of the mediation  .

How long does a divorce take using the mediation
process?
The process depends on you. You can proceed as quickly or as slowly as
you desire. Standard divorces using mediation take 2-3  months or less.

What if I change my mind about mediation?
Choosing mediation does not mean that you give up your right to go to court.  
If you decide that mediation is not right for your  situation or if you are not
completely pleased with the process, you can stop at any time,  and retain a  
attorney and proceed with  the traditional litigation process, where a judge
decides the outcome of your divorce.  

Do I have to get a separate lawyer to complete the
paperwork?
It depends on which mediation firm you select. Some  mediators only
prepare an informal memorandum of understanding. Other  mediators will
prepare a formal binding settlement agreement. Helping Hands Document
Service will complete all of  depending on your needs and what you want
use to do  your actual uncontested divorce documents based on the terms of
your settlement agreement. If you have an attorney  or wish to hire an
attorney to review  the agreement that is fine as well. If you are represented
by an attorney please bring him with you   to the mediation .
Mediation Services  727-992-3039 or 1-800-951-6473