Taking
the high road.
“Litigate”
stems from the Latin verb litigare, meaning to
dispute, quarrel.
“Mediate” stems from the Latin verb mediari,
meaning to divide in the middle.
Not
much has changed in a few thousand years. Because if you
choose litigation,
the traditional path for divorce, chances are there will
be disputes and standoffs, and in turn bitterness when one
party gets their way.
If
you choose mediation (or a collaborative
divorce), the advantages are several. Mediation
represents the opportunity to have a say in how your dispurte
is resolved. When approached with the right mindset, it
can lead to creative solutions capable of satisfying the
needs of even the most entrenched opponents. Mediation is
often completed in a single session. Litigation on the other
hand, is a protracted process that may take several days,
weeks, if not months to reach a conclusion. Furthermore,
mediation tends to be more cost effective.
Mediation
works beautifully if both spouses are truly willing to reach
an amicable settlement. Unless you choose to hire an additional
attorney for consultation, mediation will cost less (one
lawyer, not two), and be less time-consuming.
The
goal of mediation is not to resolve the conflict and preserve
the marriage, but to find the best solution for all parties
involved (including the children, if any), while causing
the minimum amount of impact on you and your family. In
mediation
cases, Mark Newton, as the mediator, helps
to guide the parties, empathize with them, and to provide
an objective viewpoint.
The
mediator works in a neutral capacity, offering general legal
information but not legal advice. This can be a welcome
alternative to litigating in court. In a collaborative
divorce, our role will be one of an advocate.
Either way, we work with you to help keep the negotiations
fair and respectful. This ensures that every decision relating
to the dissolution of your marriage
has calm, level-headed reasoning behind it.
Mediation-
F.A.Q's
Call
the Law and Mediation Offices of Mark A. Newton : 216-769-4286 |
