Going through a divorce has been repeatedly found to be one of the most
traumatizing events in a person’s life. One of the most difficult
stages of the divorce is the litigation process itself. For this reason,
mediation is becoming a more popular and utilized alternative to litigation
during a divorce. In many states, including North Carolina, some sort
of mediation is required before the divorce can even proceed to court.
Mediation is a quicker, more peaceful and economical form of settlement
and the amount of people benefiting from it is increasing.
Mediation may differ in nature. In a private mediation, a paid mediator,
an individual experienced in the area of family law and many times the
specific matter being disputed (i.e.
equitable distribution,
child custody, etc.) will meet with the two parties’ attorneys to reach a settlement.
In a judicial settlement conference, ordered by the court as a precedent
to litigation, the private mediator is replaced by a judge not assigned
to the case.
Ultimately, the goal of
mediation is to reach agreement between the two parties and avoid litigation entirely.
However, mediation is also helpful when settled partially. In this event,
the divorce process is still made more efficient by settling certain matters
privately, leaving only a few matters to be determined in court. In the
end, the process is always made quicker and many believe that the emotional
damage is lessened because of the amicable agreements reached in a mediation.
At
Hopper Law Office., we understand the hardships that go with filing for divorce and are
committed to making the process as smooth and painless as possible –
this includes mediation. If you are filing for divorce and would like
to learn more about the mediation alternative, contact one of our Raleigh
family attorneys today.