Why You Need a Divorce Mediation Lawyer
Divorce Matters® has the experience and resources needed to handle any and all of your family and divorce law issues – learn more by booking a consultation today.
Overview
Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, refers to any means of settling a dispute outside the confines of a courtroom. In the context of divorce, two alternative dispute resolution methods can be highly effective at helping couples resolve their differences in a relatively fast and affordable manner. Those two methods are as follows:
Mediation
In Colorado, divorcing couples are often required to attend mediation by law. Divorce mediation is an out-of-court alternative dispute resolution method that is overseen by a specially trained, third-party divorce mediation lawyer or mediator. The primary job of the mediator is to facilitate discussion between the parties in an attempt to resolve important matters such as division of marital property, child custody, child support, etc.
All spouses attending mediation are entitled to be represented by a mediation attorney, who is an experienced family law professional who can help steer the conversation toward a productive and amicable outcome for their client. The mediation attorney is tasked with making sure their client’s wishes are represented throughout the entire process.
There are various advantages of divorce mediation, including:
Collaboration – Mediators are highly skilled at helping divorcing couples iron out their differences in a collaborative way. This generally translates into less stress and, for parents, a cooperative atmosphere that lays the groundwork for cooperative co-parenting after the divorce is final.
Scheduling – Divorce mediation is a procedure that you and your spouse can fit into your busy schedules, instead of relying on openings on a busy court calendar to match up with your own busy calendar. Mediation can also take place at any location you and your spouse mutually agree on.
Affordability – Spending time arguing over matters inside a courtroom can quickly become expensive. Mediation, by contrast, allows for a calmer setting over a shorter period of time. This saves both time and money.
Privacy – Mediation serves as a private forum for discussing highly personal matters, as opposed to airing out the dirty laundry in front of the entire courtroom.
Control – Divorcing couples who engage in mediation naturally have more control over their divorce agreement. Although it requires compromise, mediation is a dispute resolution method that gives both parties the power to shape important issues, rather than have a judge decide those issues for them.
Arbitration Lawyers
The alternative dispute resolution method of arbitration is generally used when divorcing couples in Colorado reach an impasse in their negotiation discussions, yet still want to avoid a courtroom battle. Arbitration is a private proceeding that is held before an arbitrator, who is commonly a retired judge with family law experience, not a divorce mediation lawyer. To know which is the right course of action for you, consult with an experienced divorce mediation lawyer at Divorce Matters.
Both parties in a divorce must agree to submit their case to arbitration for the process to take place. Although similar to mediation in many respects, arbitration differs in that it is a process that ultimately leads to a binding decision from the arbitrator. Think of an arbitrator as a private judge. They will hear the details of the case from both sides in a more private forum and then rule according to what they think is best.
An arbitration attorney should be able to help you determine whether scheduling an arbitration would be the most productive path forward in your divorce case, especially if mediation hasn’t been effective. As with mediation attorneys, arbitration attorneys have your best interests at heart when representing you during the arbitration process.
Searching for the Best Divorce Lawyer in Colorado?
Contact Divorce Matters®
Divorce Matters® is a Colorado-proud family law firm with a strong track record of successfully representing clients in both mediation and arbitration proceedings, as well as in courtroom divorce litigation. The mediation and arbitration lawyers at Divorce Matters are seasoned legal professionals who are deeply committed to helping their clients divorce with dignity and get a fresh start. Our family law attorneys bring more than 100 years of combined experience to the table and proudly provide compassionate legal representation to divorcing men and women throughout Colorado.
To discuss your divorce case with an attorney at Divorce Matters, you can schedule a consultation by either calling us at 720-679-7881 or submitting our convenient online contact form.
Related Articles and Videos
Is There Any Way To Shorten The Mandatory Waiting Period For Divorce?
Do I Need To Go To Court To Get A Divorce?
Which Kinds of Couples Should Steer Away from Collaborative Divorce?
Is a Collaborative Divorce Right for Me?
Can I Save Money Through Collaborative Divorce?
The Pros and Cons of Various Divorce Options
What Is Early Neutral Assessment and When Is It a Good Option?
Bringing a Human Approach to Legal Services
Get In Touch
Douglas A. Thomas
Founding Partner
As founder of Divorce Matters®, my team of attorneys works with families in Colorado to help them achieve optimal outcomes in the highly emotional, individual, and sensitive area of family law, particularly divorce, child custody, and child support.
Professional and Community Associations
• Colorado Bar Association
• Arapahoe County Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Defense Research Institute ”“ Member
Public & Speaking Engagements
Mr. Thomas has been a frequent speaker at the Colorado Defense Lawyers Association and numerous Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Bar Admissions
• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado
Education
• J.D., University of Denver, 1993
• B.A., New Mexico Highlands University, magna cum laude, 1989
Get In Touch
Emily F. Ahnell
Partner and Managing Attorney
I began my practice after noticing a need for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Court.
I began my family law practice after noticing a need in the community for unbundled legal services. In addition to family law, I also defend employers and insurance carriers before administrative agencies and in civil litigation matters in Federal and State Courts.
Professional and Community Associations
• Colorado Bar Association
• Denver Bar Association
• Colorado Defense Lawyers Association
• Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
Public & Speaking Engagements
Denver University Law Review, Staff Editor 2001-2002, General Editor 2002-2003
Bar Admissions
• Colorado
• U.S. District Court, Colorado
Education
• J.D., University of Denver, 2003
•B.A., University of Alabama, 1998 (Member of the Women’s Soccer Team)
