Peaceful Solutions To Complex Legal Disputes

Given the enormous costs of litigation and the delays in the court system, it is worthwhile for parties to consider mediation.

Mediation may not be appropriate for all cases, but it should be considered if you are concerned about preserving amicable relationships with your spouse and children.

Attorney Carolyn C. Swiggart has the experience necessary to help you decide if mediation is right for your specific circumstance.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a process in which both spouses work with a neutral mediator to develop agreements on parenting issues, asset division, and financial support.

The attorney-mediator provides information and education to both spouses so they can make informed decisions; the attorney-mediator is a neutral and does not give individual legal advice to either party during the mediation sessions.

Each party participates voluntarily in the process. Mediators are specially trained in negotiation and working with couples in conflict. Meetings are generally held in two-hour segments, and many couples can reach a resolution in seven to 10 meetings.

It’s Your Agreement

The mediator is a guide and facilitator. The parties develop agreements together. If the spouses work out their differences and arrive at an agreement through mediation, they are more likely to be successful working with each other in the future.

For parents of children, this is especially important, as a parenting plan is likely to endure for many years, and minimizing conflict and maintaining a civil relationship that fosters the well-being of the children is valuable.

The mediator assists the parties with information and required court documents, including child support guidelines, financial affidavits, and drafting parenting plans, separation agreements and pleadings.

Each spouse is encouraged to have an attorney of his or her choosing to give advice during the process and to review agreements. Attorney Swiggart also works as review counsel for parties in mediation, affording them her insights both as an attorney and as a mediator.