Mediation is beneficial for several reasons. First, a mediated divorce is usually cheaper. Litigation is expensive, with many hours of lawyers’ time spent in court, preparing for court, drafting motions, etc. In a successful mediation, the parties are often able to resolve all of the issues between them in a matter of hours. While the expense of mediation may seem unattractive at first blush, it oftentimes results in substantial savings in the end.
Second, mediated divorces are often quicker. Instead of waiting weeks or months for your final hearing, to spend hours or even days in the court room, only to have to come back to another hearing to resolve whatever was left unfinished at the last hearing, you can begin mediation as soon as you’re ready. Moreover, if you are able to resolve your case at mediation, the mediated agreement will be prepared that day, and you can generally have the judge ratify it shortly thereafter.
Finally, mediation allows the parties to fully resolve all issues in their case. It is often difficult, if not impossible, for the parties to address every issue in their case at trial. However, at mediation, the parties can negotiate every issue, down to the smallest of details. While a party may not get exactly what she wants, she controls the process and gets a very specific agreement.
At the Bowes Law Group in Tampa, FL, we encourage our clients to attempt to resolve their issues at mediation if at all possible. That said, if the parties are unable to reach an agreement at mediation, we advocate aggressively on their behalf up to and through trial. Contact us today to schedule a consultation