The attorneys at Divorce Helpline are skilled and experienced in helping people facing a divorce or legal separation at every stage, including when a couple’s first attempt at mediation fails. The help provided will depend on whether the couple wishes to try mediation again, or whether they think they are done with divorce mediation and feel it’s necessary to move to litigation.
For some couples, a first attempt at mediation may not provide a satisfying result, leading them to believe that hiring divorce lawyer or resorting to the courts is the only remaining option. This can be an assumption that can cost you emotionally as well as financially. I would recommend that you do not condemn the concept of mediation just because one attempt failed.
While there are instances where mediation, as a concept, is not appropriate, in most cases where mediation has failed, the problem was with the mediator, not with the parties or with mediation. It’s important to keep in mind that no two mediators are alike. Every mediator brings a different style and personality to the mediating experience. Some are attorneys, some are not. Some have the appropriate sensitivity and fluidity of style to bring to the experience, while others have nothing to offer and have no business pretending to have any talent in dealing with the nuances of mediation. That’s why it’s extremely important to interview a mediator before you select one. Ask your Divorce Helpline attorney how to properly select the right mediator and how to speak to your spouse about trying mediation again.
If you ultimately decide that mediation is not worth trying again, it’s crucial that you choose your next step carefully. A miscalculation of your alternatives can be akin to hitting a thumbtack with a sledgehammer. A Divorce Helpline attorney can first help you decide what route you should take next and then prepare you for the alternative to mediation, whether that is negotiating by yourself, by representing yourself at court or selecting and hiring an attorney to represent you.
As you can see, there are lots of options and alternatives. Know that you are not alone, and with the proper help and guidance, you will get through this difficult time. A free confidential consultation can give you the information you need to determine if mediation is a viable option, even if the process stalled or was unsuccessful in the past. Call us today at 1-800-359-7004 and we can help you decide if mediation may still work for you.