Attorneys Providing Family Law Mediation Services
Mediation is a way to settle your case without rolling the dice and leaving it up to the judge. At Maniatis Law PLLC in Nashville, you will have a mediator guide you through this process, helping each party clarify the issues, consider the options and reach a workable agreement that fits everyone’s needs. This is not court, and the mediator does not decide your case, but facilitates each party to reach a consensus.
The mediation:
- Lets the parties decide for themselves what is in their best interests
- Explores creative solutions to the problems
- Promotes cooperation among the parties
- Is an informal setting
- Is confidential
The mediator:
- Will remain impartial throughout the process
- Does not give legal advice
- Is not a judge
- Will not decide the dispute
- Will provide each party the ability to express his or her interests
Once an agreement is reached, each party’s attorney will be able to review any and all written agreements before their client signs. After the signatures, the parties may not even need to step foot back in court. To explore this option to settle your case, give the Nashville family mediators at Maniatis Law PLLC a call.
Benefits Of Mediation
A litigated divorce can be a headache, thanks to never-ending court appearances and fierce battles over critical matters. Mediation is an appealing alternative to tense traditional proceedings since it keeps participants in the driver’s seat and lets them set the pace and tone of their divorce. Some of the chief benefits of mediation are:
- Amicability
- Affordability
- Confidentiality
- Efficiency
- Flexibility
Mediation as an affordable alternative to litigation merits further mention. Litigated divorces, especially those that are contentious and drawn out, tend to be expensive. By contrast, mediation is faster-paced and has fewer attendant costs, thus making it easier on the wallet.
Mediation can offer participants additional benefits as well. Reach out to our Tennessee divorce mediators to learn more about these.
Tips And Tricks For Successful Mediation
In Tennessee, couples often participate in mediation as part of the process of ending their marriage. For mediation to succeed, the first step is setting achievable goals and having realistic expectations. Mediation often requires compromise, so you may not get everything you want. The goal is to find a solution that prioritizes what you need over what you want.
Communication is also crucial at this time, so it is wise to develop useful communication strategies during mediation. If face-to-face discussions always become contentious, communicating at a distance – through text or email – may improve negotiations.
You can also plan in advance, setting up specific times to meet and discuss the terms of your divorce. Having a structure to follow can allow you to emotionally and mentally prepare for mediation sessions, helping discussions go smoothly.
Controlling your emotions and stress levels is another path to successful mediation. If you are overly stressed in other areas of your life, it can impact your sessions. Finding common ground can help. For instance, putting the needs of your children above other considerations can facilitate a fair compromise and produce solutions.
It is often easier to handle compromising with your ex when you know that you are both working together to make arrangements that are most suitable for your children. Rather than blaming each other or focusing on divorce blame, cooperation helps you focus on the future.
Is Divorce Mediation Required In Tennessee?
Under Tennessee law, couples seeking divorce must go through mediation unless there is an exception. This is not an optional process, as it is in other states. Mediation can be used to divide assets, split up child custody rights, create parenting time schedules and more.
As noted, there are a few exceptions. One example is if it is a default divorce, which may mean the other spouse is nonresponsive. Another example is if the mediation process is unaffordable for one of the parents. In some cases, couples can also ask to waive the mediation requirement.
Exception For Domestic Violence
Divorce mediation is not a viable option for everyone. In Tennessee, there are restrictions on mediation when domestic violence is a factor. Mediation is inappropriate in this scenario unless:
- The victim agrees to it
- The mediator has specialized training that allows them to protect the victim
- The victim is allowed to have a party at the mediation, like an attorney, who can provide them with support
Victims of domestic violence should consult an attorney before agreeing to mediation. With professional help, they can determine whether they can proceed with it safely.
Contact A Tennessee Divorce Mediator
We are ready to represent you if you are seeking divorce mediation services in the Nashville area. We have attorneys who are fluent in Spanish and can provide Spanish language mediation services. You can schedule a consultation with us at any time by calling 615-988-1441 or by sending us an email.