Is Mediation required and is it really helpful?
If the parties are unable to reach agreement on every issue in dispute, they will be required to attend Mediation. If there are no minor children involved, mediation may still be held if both spouses agree to attend or if it is otherwise ordered by the Judge. The mediation fee is $80.00 for each party, although it sometimes makes sense to pay the full amount of $160.00 in order to move matters ahead more expeditiously. Mediation is informal in the sense that the spouses, their attorneys and a mediator meet in private, without the customary Court rules regarding evidence or courtroom procedure. The mediators are hired by the Court and have received training in the art of mediating, although few have formal legal training and they therefore cannot provide legal advice. As an impartial third party, the mediator tries to help the parties reach reasonable agreements regarding the issues of the divorce. It is not a purpose or goal of mediation to seek to reconcile the parties’ marital differences. The mediation process has been found to be a useful tool for obtaining a fair settlement agreement in many contested divorces.
For more information log onto www.shankmanlegal.com or give us a call at 207.786.0311
Neil S. Shankman, Attorney, Brunswick, Maine
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