Several Reasons to Consider Mediation During Your San Antonio Divorce

Once couples have filed for divorce, one of the most difficult periods is the pain and anxiety while waiting for the case to go to trial. Unfortunately, the Judge’s trial docket might be backed up and the next possible trial date may be several months away. Also, trying to find a date or time when the judge and two trial lawyers are all available is a challenge. This lingering period of time of continuing to be married, once you have decided to get divorced, seems like an eternity.

There is an answer. You might want to consider mediation. Mediation is the process where the parties agree to have a neutral third party help them reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediators are professionally trained, certified and licensed to improve communications between the parties in hopes of reaching an agreement. The mediation process is a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) which is voluntary, private and faster than waiting for a trial date.

Mediation is also less expensive than going to trial. Long battles and proceeding to trial will inevitably cost you more than trying to work things out through mediation. You will normally only have to pay for a one day mediation to resolve most divorce matters. Not only does this save you money but it gives you control over the outcome involving you and your children versus putting the decision in the hands of twelve jurors.

In mediation, you will be allowed more freedom to speak with the mediator and tell your side of the story. The mediator will speak with you and your spouse together initially and then separate you into different rooms, where he or she will go back and forth with options and ideas until an agreement can be made and reduced to writing. The whole mediation process is geared to giving and taking in a less adversarial proceeding than a courtroom.

Finally, mediations are private and confidential. Only you, your spouse, your respective attorneys and the mediator is privy to what goes on during the mediation. This is contrasted with being in open court with a judge, officers of the court, other attorneys and people being selected to serve as jurors in your case. The mediation setting is far more conducive to leading to the resolution of adversarial issues regarding child custody and support issues, marital property settlement agreements and spousal maintenance.

If you are considering getting a divorce or trying to determine the best way to proceed, it would be in your best interest to seek advice from a San Antonio attorney who is experienced in a wide variety of family law matters.

Allan R. Manka PC is a San Antonio law firm dedicated to helping clients who are going through divorces. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience and are held in high esteem by the judiciary and their peers.

We have represented clients in and around the San Antonio area and throughout South Texas, including the servicemen and servicewomen of Lackland and Randolph Air Force Bases.

Contact us online or call us direct at (210) 824-1800 to schedule a no obligation initial consultation.

We accept credit cards and have a variety of reasonable payment plans.