A popular misconception regarding divorce and other family law matters is that going to court to fight for the resolution you want is the best way to achieve your goals. Litigation is not the right solution for every situation. Mediation can help people secure the outcomes they need to even the most difficult family law situations.
In Johnson County, there has been growing recognition of the good mediation can do. According to the Associated Press, in the last decade the Johnson County alternative dispute-resolution program has almost doubled the number of cases it takes in annually. Last year alone they helped with nearly 700 cases. This growth is stemming from an increased understanding on the part of lawyers and the public of the benefits mediation has to offer.
Mediation can be used to help resolve divorces, child custody cases and almost any other type of family law matter, including ongoing issues for those who divorced in the past. In mediation, the individuals work with a mediator who helps them find common ground on which they can build a compromise solution. People can still be represented by an attorney, but the process is more focused on building solutions than fighting. If resolution cannot be found through mediation, the matter can still be brought to the court for a more traditional resolution through litigation.
In addition to mediation, another form of alternative dispute resolution is collaborative law. Collaborative law divorce requires a greater commitment to finding solutions within the process than mediation. But, both types of alternative dispute resolution offer a number of advantages over going to court, including cost savings, savings of time and control over final decisions stays in the hands of the individuals rather than a judge.
If you are facing divorce or some other type of family law matter, you should discuss with an experienced family law attorney how alternative dispute resolution methods can benefit you.
