Aurora Mediation Lawyer

Divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution where a third-party mediator, often a divorce attorney, assists both parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The goal is to resolve legal issues without going to court. The mediator facilitates open discussion, helping the couple work through contentious issues and arrive at a marital settlement agreement. This method often results in less conflict and stress, promoting a healthier post-divorce relationship.

There are numerous advantages to divorce mediation, particularly when it comes to minimizing conflict and promoting a healthier post-divorce relationship:

1. Avoidance of Litigation: Divorce mediation allows divorcing spouses to avoid divorce litigation, which is often a lengthy, costly, and stressful process. By working together in mediation, spouses can define their own terms of agreement in a less adversarial environment.
2. Cost and Time Savings: Given that the divorce mediator will facilitate discussions and help parties reach agreements more quickly, divorce mediation often results in significant savings of both time and money.
3. Control over Divorce Settlement: In a mediation process, divorcing spouses have a significant say in the divorce settlement rather than having the terms dictated by the courts. This allows for mutually beneficial decisions, particularly in complex areas such as spousal support and marital property division.
4. Co-parenting and Parental Responsibility: Divorced parents can plan their children’s future together, making decisions that are in the best interest of their children. Mediation promotes a cooperative approach to parental responsibility, ensuring both parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives post-divorce.
5. Privacy and Confidentiality: Unlike court proceedings, which are public, mediation is private and confidential. This preserves the dignity of the parties involved and prevents potentially damaging personal information from becoming public knowledge.

By employing these principles, mediation can make the challenging process of divorce less stressful and more empowering for the parties involved.

While Colorado law does not mandate mediation for divorce cases, it’s worth noting that many counties in the Denver metropolitan region, such as Douglas County or Arapahoe County, do require divorcing couples to engage in at least one or potentially two mediation sessions. This court-ordered mediation is used as a measure to facilitate resolution between parties. This stands in contrast to traditional litigation where decisions are dictated by the court, highlighting the unique nature of mediation services focused on fostering agreement and understanding.

The duration to finalize a divorce in Colorado post-mediation largely depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, after a successful mediation session, as long as a minimum of 91 days have elapsed since the filing of a joint divorce petition (or from when the divorce papers were served to the non-filing spouse in a regular petition), the judge is authorized to sign the final “decree of dissolution of marriage.” This divorce decree officially ends the marriage, marking the conclusion of the mediated divorce process. This timeline is often considerably shorter than a litigated divorce due to the collaborative nature of mediation. Understanding this aspect of family law can help couples make informed decisions about their divorce proceedings.

Preparing for divorce mediation involves several crucial steps.

1. First, draft a list of issues you want to resolve during the mediation. This list could include matters related to child custody, spousal support, or division of marital assets.
2. Second, identify your needs and interests concerning these issues. This self-assessment will equip you to articulate your position effectively during the mediation.
3. Third, try to understand your former partner’s needs and interests. This understanding can foster empathy and facilitate constructive discussions.

As part of your preparation, consider scheduling an initial meeting with a certified mediator. They can provide valuable insights into the mediation process and guide you on how best to present your case.

Moreover, it’s advisable to get a free consultation with CNL Law Firm, who specialize in divorce cases. Our expertise can be instrumental in helping you navigate the complexities of your divorce case and prepare for mediation effectively.

The cost of mediation in Colorado is typically shared equally between both parties, unless they agree on a different arrangement. The mediator will typically require the full payment of their fees upfront, either from the parties participating or the attorneys representing them. A detailed agreement is usually signed at the beginning of the mediation process, outlining the fee structure and payment expectations.

However, these costs can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the duration of the mediation sessions, and the specific mediator’s rates.

To receive a specific and accurate cost estimate for your divorce mediation case, we encourage you to contact CNL Law Firm at your earliest convenience.