Some of our clients do not realize that there are other ways to settle some of the most important debates in their divorce outside of court. One popular option is mediation, and it can be used to help couples come to an agreement on a variety of issues. A mediator can even help you find a solution for a custody dispute. So talk to a Suffolk County child custody lawyer from our firm and get ready to figure out where you and your spouse should go from here.
Is a Mediator Quicker or Cheaper Than Going to Court?
In many cases, mediation can be a quicker and less expensive option than litigation. Going through the court can take a while, and both sides need to pay an attorney to represent them that entire time. In mediation, you can prep with an attorney, but the environment will not seem so competitive. Instead of working against each other, you and your spouse must work together to find the best solution. This can lead to a reduction in silly delays and unnecessary holdups.
Can I Use a Mediator Even If My Spouse and I Have Communication Problems?
Yes, the mediator is actually trained to deal with divorced spouses. You would not be the first pair to suffer from some communication issues. The mediator is there to keep you focused and on track.
Some couples might struggle with mediation if there is really bad blood between them, but for the most part a mediator should be able to help you come to an agreement on some topics, including custody. As we mentioned, this is a less adversarial environment than the court is. That can help some couples put aside their issues and come to the table in good faith.
If We Reach a Custody Agreement in Mediation, is it Enforceable?
Some clients worry that a custody dispute handled through mediation will not hold up in court, but this is rarely an issue. When you and your spouse have reached any kind of agreement through mediation, you can submit it to the court. It is unlikely that the accord that you have reached will be rejected by a judge, unless there is something particularly odd about it.
This also means that the custody agreement will be legally enforceable. So if your spouse does start to violate this agreement, maybe by picking the kids up on days that are not theirs or keeping them late on weekends, then you do have recourse.
Talk to Our Family Lawyers Today
If you want to learn more about mediation and your other options, contact Peter V. Mandi & Associates, Inc. We can schedule a free consultation and take a closer look at your case. Then we can help you figure out the best way to negotiate for custody and come to other important agreements with your soon-to-be former spouse.
