Court-Mediation
Court mediation means that the divorce or family law case has already been filed in court. Then, the court enters an order that requires the opposing parties to attend mediation. Generally, the court order selects the given mediator.
The mediation order will set up how the costs will be allocated and set the minimum length of time that the opposing parties will to attempt the mediation. The given rule in Missouri is that the court can only order opposing parties to attend a two-hour allotted time space of mediation. It varies from state to state.
Voluntary Mediation
Voluntary mediation tends to take place before the family law case and/or the divorce has been filed. The opposing parties are about to come to an agreement and then are able to select a mediator of their choice. The opposing parties also typically agree on how the payments will be taken care of and they can also participate for however long they desire.
With both approaches, the results and successes can vary. All things being equal, however, mediation can tend to have more positive results in the opinion of many when mediation is voluntary and the parties both desire to participate. When mediation takes place before litigation is filed, it can also lead to decreased tensions that can help further the spirit of the settlement.
Contact a Multi-State Mediation Attorney Today
If you are going through a divorce and have questions about the mediation process, the attorneys at Stange Law Firm, PC can help. We have offices in Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. You can contact us online or by calling one of our convenient office locations in St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Wichita, Topeka, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Omaha, Lincoln, or nearby.
