Mediation
If an agreement is met in the mediation, one or both of the parties will be required to hire an attorney to file for the divorce, ensure that the proper paperwork is completed, and procure the signature of the judge through a non-contested hearing. The reality is that in many mediated cases, there ends up being three attorneys involved: the mediator, an attorney for the husband, and an attorney for the wife.
Collaborative
In collaborative divorce and family law, the parties meet with their attorneys also present. Parties may also have collaborative professionals to assist them, including a divorce coach, financial neutral, or child custody professional. All of these parties can help the collaborative process to ensure that a resolution can be reached. Typically, for a settlement to be reached, the process will require multiple sessions.
A divorce coach assists each spouse manage the emotional strain of changing relationships while focusing on goals for the present and future. A financial neutral helps the parties identify options and alternatives by reviewing the financial aspects of the case. A child custody professional helps the parties create custody schedules to fit the specific needs of the family.
Further, unlike mediation, if the parties can resolve the collaborative process, the attorneys for the husband and wife can file the divorce and complete the process in court. This is distinctively different from mediation in most instances, where the attorney who completes the process is not part of the mediation sessions.
