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How to Choose Between a Divorce Mediator
and a Divorce Lawyer

How to Choose Between a Divorce Mediator and a Divorce Lawyer

What’s the Difference?

Considering divorce but don’t know where to start?

You’re not alone. Millions of people go through a divorce each year in the United States. It’s a complicated process, but there are ways to make it easier—especially if you have the right help.

That’s where we come in. We’re Stewart Hudson Family Mediation and here to provide you with the best possible mediation experience. We’ll help you work through your divorce peacefully and efficiently, so you can move on with your life as quickly as possible.

Contact us today for a free consultation! We’ll answer your questions and help get you started on the path to a better future.

When considering a divorce, it is crucial to understand the difference between a divorce mediator and a divorce lawyer.

A divorce mediator helps couples negotiate the terms of their divorce without going to court. A divorce lawyer represents one spouse in court and tries to get them the best possible settlement.

If you want to avoid going to court, hiring a divorce mediator may be the right choice. However, hiring a divorce lawyer may be better if you want the most aggressive legal representation possible.

Here at Stewart Hudson Family Mediation, we understand that divorce is a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved. So we are here to help you make the best decisions for your future. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation.

Contact our office today for more information about choosing the right option for your needs!

Divorce Lawyer

How to Choose Between a Divorce Mediator and a Divorce Lawyer: What’s the Difference?

When it comes time to dissolve a marriage, many couples wonder whether they should go through with divorce mediation or hire a lawyer.

While both have pros and cons, there are some key differences you should be aware of before making your decision.

In this blog post, we will discuss the main differences between divorce mediators and lawyers so that you can decide which route is best for you.

What is a divorce mediator, and what is a divorce lawyer?

A divorce mediator is a professional who helps couples going through a divorce agree on the terms of their divorce. On the other hand, a divorce lawyer is a professional representing one spouse in a divorce case. A mediator will help the couple agree on matters such as child custody, child support, property division, and alimony.

A lawyer, however, will advocate for one spouse and try to get the best deal possible for their client. While both professionals can be helpful in a divorce, it is essential to note that a mediator is not a lawyer and cannot give legal advice.

How do you know if you need a divorce mediator or a divorce lawyer?

When you’re facing a divorce, there are a lot of tough decisions to make. One of the most important is whether you need to hire a divorce mediator or a divorce lawyer.

If you and your spouse are on good terms and can communicate openly, divorce mediation may be a good option. Mediation is typically less expensive and faster than court, and it can be less emotionally taxing than working with lawyers.

However, if you and your spouse are not on good terms or if you have complex financial issues to resolve, then mediation may not be suitable for you. In that case, hiring a divorce lawyer may be your best option. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Your decision to hire a mediator or a lawyer depends on your circumstances.

Benefits of choosing a divorce mediator

Benefits of choosing a divorce mediator

There are many benefits to choosing a divorce mediator over a lawyer. Here are some of the most significant:

1. You and your spouse will have more control over the outcome of your divorce

Divorce is a complicated and emotionally charged process, but it doesn’t have to be an all-out war. Choosing to mediate your divorce gives you and your spouse more control over the outcome of the process. It can help you avoid some of the negative consequences of traditional litigation.

In mediation, you and your spouse will work with a neutral third-party mediator to identify issues, negotiate solutions, and reach a settlement that works for both of you. This process can be less adversarial than going to court and can help you maintain a better relationship with your ex-spouse after the final divorce.

Family mediation is not suitable for every couple, but it can be a helpful way to resolve disputes and move on with your life.

2. Mediation is typically less expensive than going to court

If you are facing a divorce, you probably have concerns about the cost. Hiring a lawyer and going to court can be very expensive, but mediation is typically much less expensive than traditional litigation.

The mediator will help you and your spouse communicate but will not make decisions for you. This means that you will avoid the cost of hiring separate lawyers and going to court.

Mediation is not always cheaper than litigation, but it is often a more cost-effective option.

3. You and your spouse can resolve your divorce in a confidential setting.

In mediation, you and your spouse will meet with a trained mediator who will help you to communicate effectively and reach an agreement on all aspects of your divorce, including child custody, property division, and support payments. The process is confidential, which means that anything you say during mediation cannot be used against you in court.

A litigated divorce will become a matter of public record, but mediation will allow you and your spouse to resolve your differences in a confidential setting. As a result, mediation can be an effective way to resolve your divorce without going to trial.

Benefits of choosing a divorce lawyer over a divorce mediator

Divorce is a difficult and emotional process, regardless of the circumstances. However, with the help of a qualified divorce lawyer, the process can be significantly less stressful.

A divorce lawyer can offer many benefits over a mediator, including:

1. You can have an advocate on your side who is looking out for your best interests

.When a divorce lawyer represents you, you have someone on your side who is solely focused on protecting your rights and interests. Your lawyer can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the divorce process.

On the other hand, a divorce mediator is a neutral third party who is not looking out for either spouse’s interests. This is particularly beneficial if you and your spouse have difficulty communicating or cooperating.

2. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is filed properly

Your lawyer can help you navigate the often-complex legal process of divorce. They will be familiar with the applicable laws and regulations and can ensure that all required paperwork is completed correctly. A mediator cannot provide legal advice or represent either spouse in court.

3. If your spouse has an attorney, you may level the playing field by also hiring one

If you are considering mediation to resolve your divorce, it is vital to be aware of the potential pitfalls.

One potential problem arises if one spouse has hired a lawyer while the other has not. In this scenario, the spouse who has retained counsel may have an advantage in terms of legal knowledge and negotiation skills.

As a result, the other spouse may feel disadvantaged and decide to hire a lawyer. While this may level the playing field to some extent, it can also significantly increase the cost of divorce. In addition, it is essential to remember that mediation relies on cooperation and compromise from both parties.

If one spouse feels at a disadvantage, reaching an agreement may not be easy. Therefore, hiring a lawyer is not always the best solution. Sometimes, it is better to rely on the mediator to help ensure that both spouses are treated fairly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a divorce lawyer and a divorce mediator is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Therefore, you should carefully consider all of your options before making a decision.

If you are unsure which option is right for you, you should speak with a divorce lawyer and a family mediator to better understand each option’s pros and cons. With the help of a qualified professional, you can make the best decision for your particular situation.