Mediation

Lake County Divorce Mediation Attorney 

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation can be a voluntary or court-ordered process in which a third-party mediator works with spouses and their attorneys to facilitate communication and negotiations outside of court. The goal of divorce mediation is to help parties find common ground and reach a resolution that is acceptable and fair for the spouses and their families. 

Successful problem-solving is the key to effective divorce mediation. At the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, we are adept problem solvers with a unique depth of experience guiding clients through even the most complex mediation processes. If you are settling your divorce outside of court, put your trust in our team. 

Schedule a free consultation with our Lake County divorce mediation attorney by reaching out to our offices.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation vs. Litigation?

Whether a court in Georgia or Florida has ordered parties to participate in mediation or they have elected to go through it, there are many advantages. First and foremost, divorce mediation is often faster and cheaper than litigation, with some cases lasting for as little as one or two sessions.

Mediation also gives parties greater control over the outcome of their divorce. In court, a judge or jury might settle a case, but this does not happen in mediation. Only the involved parties and their representation have a say on how to settle the divorce. 

Finally, mediation can preserve relationships. Unfortunately, litigation processes can become adversarial and combative. Although it is not always the case, we have seen that divorce mediation can foster collaboration between spouses, which can help them overcome differences and reduce the residual impact the divorce process might have on their families.

Is Divorce Mediation Confidential?

The confidentiality of mediation varies in Florida and Georgia. In Florida, mediation is not confidential, unless the parties have agreed to make it so. Mediation in Georgia can be confidential under the Georgia Uniform Mediation Act (GUMA). 

The Types of Disputes Can Mediation Settle 

Parties can use mediation in Florida and Georgia to settle divorces and most other civil matters. At the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, our Lake County mediation attorney has a wealth of experience handling family law cases specifically.  

These include but are not limited to:

The Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration

Mediation and arbitration are often conflated. While both processes take place outside of court and feature a neutral, third party, they have significant differences. The primary way the two differ is in who decides how to settle the case. A mediator will not decide the outcome of a dispute, but instead helps parties identify issues, explore possible solutions, and work toward a resolution. On the other hand, an arbiter will review evidence in a case and make a legally binding decision about its outcome. 

Understanding the Role of a Mediation Attorney

When going through a divorce, it's important to have a knowledgeable and experienced mediation attorney by your side to help navigate the process. A mediation attorney can provide valuable guidance and support to ensure that your interests are protected and that the mediation process is conducted fairly and effectively.

Some of the key roles of a mediation attorney include:

  • Providing legal advice and representation during mediation sessions
  • Assisting in negotiating and reaching agreements on important issues such as child custody, asset division, and spousal support
  • Ensuring that all legal requirements and procedures are followed throughout the mediation process
  • Advocating for your rights and best interests while maintaining a neutral and impartial stance

At Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, our experienced mediation attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients achieve fair and amicable divorce settlements through mediation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you during this challenging time.

Let Us Help You Navigate Your Divorce Mediation 

If you are using mediation to settle your divorce in Florida or Georgia, turn to us. We would be glad to guide you through this legal process and advocate for a settlement that is fair for you and your family. To get started, simply reach out to us with some details about your situation and how we can be of assistance. We will respond promptly and work to set up a consultation at a convenient time for you. 

To call our Lake County, Florida office, call (407) 634-2784. For our Newnan, Georgia office, call (678) 498-5270. You can also submit our online contact form.