What is divorce mediation, and how is it different from arbitration?What is divorce mediation, and how is it different from arbitration?Divorce mediation is a process in which divorcing spouses try to negotiate an acceptable divorce agreement with the help of a neutral third party: the mediator. The mediator helps the spouses to communicate and negotiate but doesn't make any decisions for them. Both mediation and arbitration involve a neutral third party who is not a judge. In mediation, the neutral party has no power to make decisions. In arbitration, the neutral third party -- the arbitrator -- listens to the facts and then decides the case, just as a judge would. Although the parties can present evidence and make arguments, they have no say in the final decision. What is the difference between court-ordered mediation and private mediation?As its name implies, court-ordered mediation is mediation that is required by the court as a part of a divorce proceeding. In many places, mediation is mandatory when there are custody or visitation issues. In fact, court-ordered mediation usually is limited to child custody and visitation issues, while private mediation often also covers financial issues and property division. There is often no fee charged for court-ordered mediation, whereas private mediators usually charge an hourly or per-session fee. The mediator in a court-sponsored program often makes a report to the court; private mediation is usually confidential. How long does mediation take?Mediation almost always takes less time than litigation. Depending on the issues, it can even take place in one day, although most divorcing couples meet for several sessions on separate days over a period of days or weeks or months. Copyright 2007 Nolo Copyright © 1994-2006 FindLaw, a Thomson business DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter. Family law clients of the Law Office of Elaine Smith and Adam M. Horwitz come from throughout the vicinity of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including from communities such as Bala Cynwyd, Media, Newtown, Morton, Ardmore, Abington, Havertown, and Swarthmore; from counties including Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Bucks County, and Delaware County. |
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