What is mediation?
Mediation is a form of “alternative dispute resolution.” It is a popular, widespread, and often more cost-effective means of settling differences between parties prior to litigation, during litigation, and even post-litigation.
Why would I choose to mediate a Family Court case?
Perhaps the most important benefit of participating in mediation is the ability to “control the outcome.” This doesn’t mean that one party or another can dictate terms to the other; rather, it means that the parties can, collectively, negotiate and make decisions without having a third party (a judge) impose conditions upon them. Judges have limited time and resources to dedicate to individual cases, even when those cases go to trial, and are likely to apply a “one size fits all” resolution to your matter, regardless of whether or not that resolution meets your family’s highly individual needs.
Mediation is an opportunity to apply creative, common-sense solutions that are tailored to the needs of all parties to a Family Court case: wife, husband, parents, children. This opportunity is lost in a courtroom.
Mediation also represents, in most cases, a quicker and more cost-effective solution to a case. The cost savings cannot be overstated. Trials are usually “five figure” affairs, with clients expected to pay for his or her attorney’s services in advance. Mediation typically costs somewhere in the $1500-$2000 ballpark. If that sounds expensive to you, you have never participated in a Family Court trial before.
Its also important to note that mediation is a requirement in the overwhelming majority of Family Court cases.
Can DeTreville Law & Mediation assist me in mediating a Family Court case?
Our firm offers mediation services, and our attorneys have mediated hundreds of cases successfully. Specific questions about mediation, the process of mediation, and how to go about mediating a case are best discussed individually with one of our Charleston SC mediation attorneys.