Benefits of Mediation
If you have recently considered mediation as a dispute resolution process, you likely have questions about it. It is important to ask questions and become informed about what your legal options are. We can help get you the information you need and inform you of the benefits of mediation.
The law office of F. Marian Weeks represents clients in a wide range of family law matters throughout northern Georgia, including mediation. Attorney Marian Weeks has significant experience acting as a mediator in the mediation process, having mediated hundreds of cases. Additionally, she has more than 30 years' experience advocating for clients in mediation. Having experience from both sides gives her a more in-depth understanding of the law and how the mediation process can be leveraged to benefit her clients (when she is advocating) or all parties involved (when she is mediating).
What Is the Mediation Process?
Mediation is a settlement conference that is led by a neutral, third-party mediator who tries to bring parties together on the issues involved in the situation. The mediator who conducts the conference must be certified by the state of Georgia. Many mediators are lawyers; however, it is not required.
Mediation is required by our courts in all disputed cases. In fact, the courts have recognized that people are more likely to live up to settlement agreement obligations versus court-ordered settlements. The most important issue in the mediation process is that if a settlement is reached, there must be agreement on all aspects of the divorce, including child support, custody, property division and more.
Benefits of Mediation
Mediation has many different benefits for all parties involved. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear the opposing party's position in the case and to see if there is a middle ground where a settlement can be reached without having to undergo an expensive trial. Some of the many benefits include:
- It is confidential
- It is more time efficient
- It is less costly
Even if a settlement cannot be reached in mediation, there are still benefits if the case were to go to trial. There are discovery opportunities as far as learning how the other side feels about certain issues, and how that subject should be approached in trial.
Contact a Marietta Attorney for Mediation Processes
Learn about the services that we provide at the law office of F. Marian Weeks. Please contact our team at 770-884-6296 or 866-435-8732 to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. We serve clients throughout Cobb County, Cherokee County, Paulding County and other areas in Georgia.
