How to Use Hybrid Mediation in Your Divorce
Divorcing your spouse can be extremely complicated, challenging, and emotionally draining. Not only are there many legal and financial considerations to consider, but tensions can arise when partners begin to discuss how to divide marital property and start separate lives. Contested divorces occur when both partners are unable to come to an agreement on a decision in the divorce. Couples have the option to litigate their divorce. However, this can be both time-consuming and expensive. Other alternative dispute resolutions include hybrid mediation to assist partners during a difficult divorce.
What are Alternative Dispute Resolutions?
When a divorce is contested and disagreements rise between spouses, it can be challenging to reach a mutual decision. Couples must decide how joint assets are divided, if one spouse will owe another spousal support, and if there are children involved, how parents will divide parental responsibilities and parenting time.
Alternative dispute resolutions are options for couples to work alongside a mediator who can facilitate productive communication between both parties and conclude the divorce without a court battle.
Why Hybrid Mediation Can Be Extremely Useful
Divorce mediation describes a neutral third-party individual helping both spouses productively negoiate issues. A mediator is usually a legal professional who is skilled in mediation tactics. However, not all couples find that collaborative communication is effective enough to decide on life-changing aspects of their divorce agreement. In that case, a lawyer may offer hybrid mediation — a fusion of traditional divorce proceedings with the help of mediation. The hybrid mediation route includes:
- An attorney represents only one individual in the divorce but acts as a mediator between spouses to encourage mutual decision making.
- That attorney may work alongside other professionals such as mental health counselors or parenting experts during mediation.
- The attorney will draft the legal documentation to conclude the divorce.
Although an attorney offering hybrid mediation resolution only legally represents one spouse, both spouses will have the opportunity to benefit from the attorney's mediation strategy. This is often a much more cost-effective avenue for couples struggling to agree in their divorce.
Find a Kane County Hybrid Mediation Divorce Attorney
At the The Law Offices of Douglas B. Warlick & Associates, our Kane County divorce and family attorneys have experience using hybrid mediation to assist clients filing for a divorce. Our firm understands the complicated nature of dissolving a marriage. We may be able to help spouses find a solution that maintains the best interests of all family members involved. Don't hesitate to contact our office at 630-232-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2489&ChapterID=51
