Mediation: Resolving Legal Disputes On Your Terms
Why choose mediation for divorce? Put simply, because it works. Contrary to the depiction of the American justice system in entertainment, legal disputes do not have to end in public and painful courtroom battle. The majority of cases reach a settlement at some point prior to a final trial. While trials may appear exciting, the reality is they can be traumatic experiences. A public showdown in court can irreparably damage relationships and reputations.
Decisions by judges or juries are made on the limited information they receive in the short time that a case is being presented. The judgments are rarely made after reviewing all available information and weighing every personal consideration. Further, the court system is already overwhelmed by the volume of cases that do not reach a settlement, and waiting for relief by trial can take time. In many instances, litigation is simply not the best option for a divorce case. With the help of a properly facilitated mediation, you can avoid the financial strain, time commitment and headaches of litigated divorce.
Do you want your family’s future to be decided by complete strangers? Shouldn’t you be involved in the final decision that is made regarding your children and your assets? Lackey Law Firm, P.C., brings opposing parties together with the goal of reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
The Benefits Of Mediation Vs. Litigation
Mediation can have a number of benefits over traditional divorce litigation, including:
- Efficiency: Trying to settle a case between parties and their lawyers by letters and emails can be time-consuming. Attorneys’ schedules can be hectic, and some parties tend to avoid dealing with conflict. Mediation is a time that is set aside for parties to focus on engaging in a conversation about the issues, and they can participate in the creation of ideas to solve the matter.
- You are in charge: It is your mediation agreement. No one can make it for you, and it will be crafted by the people who have the most interest in the outcome.
- You do not have to agree just to agree: You do not have to reach an agreement unless you actually agree. There is no decision-maker who will decide for you. It is your mediation.
- You can provide the information you want: You can present all the information you feel is important, without the limitations of the strict rules and procedures set for trials.
- Confidentiality: Mediation is confidential. There are respected rules that dictate what cannot be repeated in court if mediation fails, so you are free to explore creative solutions that you would otherwise not be able to consider.
- Less stress: Mediation occurs in a more relaxed setting than a trial. Accommodations can be made for safety, privacy, dietary needs and convenience.
- More affordable: Trials can be costly; mediation can save everyone the financial drain of preparing for and prosecuting a divorce case.
- Preserve relationships: Finally, there is a greater chance of mending or maintaining amicable relationships among parties when a compromise is made.
With all the benefits comes the task of finding the right mediator who can balance all parties’ needs. Attorney Alicia Lackey of Lackey Law Firm, P.C., works hard to find common ground and propose creative solutions to resolve even the most complex cases. With over a decade of experience in the family law courts, rest assured that your negotiations will benefit from her professionalism, neutrality and familiarity with the system. Alicia Lackey is a Certified Family Law Mediator and offers mediation services for all family law cases.
Contact An Attorney To Learn More About Alternatives To Litigation
To learn more about your family law options, call Lackey Law Firm, P.C., today at 888-705-0307. You may also schedule a consultation by completing an online contact form.
*Main office is located in Austin, Texas. All office locations are staffed by appointment only.