Mediation and Arbitration: Resolve your family law disputes

It depends on the situation. Sometimes, expected outcomes are not met when negotiating in court, so people are willing to venture into other means like alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Also, the flexibility of the ADR processes entices people more than ever.

Some of the benefits of alternative dispute resolution include confidentiality of the terms discussed, reduction of stress involved, the possibility of preserving existing relationships among parties, and significantly lower cost in terms of time and money.

Some of the processes involved in alternative dispute resolution include neutral evaluation, negotiation, conciliation, mediation, and arbitration. Some parties prefer to undergo mediation instead of litigation as its informal alternative.

Generally, the collaborative law process starts when both parties agree to use negotiations and mediations to settle their divorce amicably. This is done so a couple can reach a fair and equitable agreement based on realistic goals and reasonable judgment.

Collaborative law is a type of negotiation wherein the two parties with their lawyers meet face to face, together or separately, to negotiate a solution to the couple’s problems. Meanwhile, mediation is where a neutral third party aids a couple to communicate and find common ground that could solve their problems.

If you find yourself divorcing your partner, consider going for the collaborative option. This does not only cost less than a litigated divorce, but it also ensures that you part ways with your partner amicably instead of being irrevocably broken by the nature and pressures of the courtroom process.

Mediators and lawyers have different roles. Lawyers represent their clients’ interests and advise them on the best way to present their case. They’ll advise the client on what may happen in court and the chances of success. In contrast, a mediator does not give legal advice and does not represent either side of a dispute, even if the mediator is also a lawyer. In mediation, you speak for yourself rather than having a lawyer speak for you.