Four Ways That A Lawyer Can Help You With Family Law Mediation In Australia
Mediation is a process that can be used to resolve family law disputes. Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method which means that the parties use a neutral third-party mediator to help them resolve their dispute in a way that is acceptable to both of them.
The benefits of mediation are numerous. It's convenient and less expensive than other forms of litigation, and it allows you to have a say in resolving your matter. It also gives you the opportunity to work out an agreement with your spouse or ex-spouse without having to rely on judges or juries who may not understand your unique situation.
If you're considering using mediation as part of your family law process, here are four ways that a lawyer can help:
1. A Lawyer Can Advise You On Whether Mediation Is Right For Your Case
Family law mediation can be used to resolve a wide variety of matters, including child custody and support, spousal support, and property division. However, it's not always the best option for every type of family law case. For example, mediation is generally not recommended for cases involving domestic violence or where one spouse is trying to protect the interests of minor children from the other parent.
2. A Lawyer Can Help You Choose A Mediator And Prepare For The Hearing
During mediation, both you and your spouse will have the opportunity to meet with a neutral third party who can help you discuss the issues that are important in your case. This person is called a mediator, and they will act as an impartial facilitator for your discussion. They won't make any decisions about what happens next in your family law case; instead, they'll try to help you come up with a solution that works for everyone involved.
3. Your Family Law Lawyer Will Ensure Everything During The Mediation Process Is Legally Binding
Your family law lawyer will be present during the mediation process. They will be there to make sure that everything said is legally binding and can be used in court if necessary. A lawyer can help draft any agreements reached during mediation sessions into legally binding documents called "mediation orders." These orders will be signed by both parties and filed with the court as part of your case.
4. Mediation Can Help You Settle Your Case Faster
When you choose mediation, your lawyer can help you settle the issues in your case more quickly than if you were to go to court. The reason for this is that mediation allows you to get face-to-face with your spouse and talk through the issues in a more relaxed environment than in a courtroom. This can help both parties come up with solutions that might be difficult to achieve if you were only communicating through your lawyer.
Talk with a lawyer who practises family law and see if mediation might help you settle your case faster with less stress.