Family law cases can be really tough and full of mixed emotions, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. The stakes are high, and you want what is best for you. That means keeping your assets, money, kids safe, and your peace of mind. That is why most people in this situation turn to a family attorney in NYC to make sure they get what they deserve and protect their interests.

When it comes to family issues, it is important to find a way to work things out that is good for everyone involved. Mediation and litigation are two popular ways to do this, but they both have their pros and cons, so it is important for families to figure out which one works best for them.

In this post, we will take a look at some of the main advantages and things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing between mediation and litigation in family cases.

What does mediation mean?

Family mediation is a non-confrontational, peaceful way for families to come to an understanding about their problems. It is a great way for everyone involved to get to know each other better and come to an agreement on what is best. It is different from litigation because families have a say in what happens. The idea is to create a place where everyone can talk freely, honestly, and with respect.

A neutral mediator will listen to each member and help them figure out what is best for their family. Family mediation is a great way for families to examine different options and determine what works best for them. Mediation is all about helping you and your partner make the best decisions for your family.

You and your partner have been together for a long time, so you know what is best for you and your kids, your financial situation, and a lot more. Even if you have an experienced family attorney in NYC, there is still a chance that a judge will not know your family or how you feel about your divorce.

Family mediation can help you communicate, understand each other, and figure out what will benefit your kids. This is a great choice for couples who are coming to terms with the end of their marriage and can work together to come up with a solution.

What is the mediation process like?

At the start, the mediator sits down with both sides to explain what the mediation process is all about, what the ground rules are, and what the goals are for the sessions. The mediator also gets to know what is going on between the two sides so they can better understand what is going on.

Then, the mediator helps the parties come up with options and come up with solutions that work for everyone. Finally, if the parties come to an agreement, the mediator helps write out the terms of the agreement. A family attorney in NYC can help walk you through this process.

What does litigation mean?

Litigation is when a family dispute goes to court, and a judge decides things like who gets what, who gets custody of the kids, who gets alimony, and more. Litigation is different from mediation because it is an “adversarial” process, meaning everyone has their own opinion, and the judge makes decisions based on what the judge thinks is right for them. This can mean more stress, more money, and less say in what happens.

Litigation is a good option if there has been abuse in the family, but it may not still be a bad option where there are a lot of power dynamics or violence. If you and your ex-spouse cannot come to an agreement on the details of your divorce, or if one party is not willing to talk, filing for legal action can be a good option. This means that if things do not work out between you and your partner during mediation or if there is a complicated legal situation that needs to be settled in court, then you might need to take legal action.

At this point, most couples will go to court in what is known as a “contested” divorce unless they can come to an agreement before the trial. If you are the plaintiff, you will file a divorce petition and ask the court to decide on the terms of the marriage. A family attorney in NYC can help you file this.

Pros of Mediation

Mediation might be the way to go if you are looking for a way to handle your family law case. It is usually cheaper than litigation, takes less time to resolve, and you have more control over what happens afterward. Plus, it is a collaborative process, so you and your spouse can work together to reach an agreement. It is a much better way to resolve disputes than in a courtroom, where things can get heated up and create a negative atmosphere.

Mediation is way more private, cheaper, and encourages better communication between the parties, which makes for a better work environment. Also, you do not have to pay for court visits, so you save money. You can get to know more about how mediation can play out in your case by talking with a family attorney in NYC.

Cons of Mediation

Mediation is not always the best option for everyone. It takes both of you to be able to work together. So, if you cannot talk to each other clearly or do not want to make compromises, it might not be the right choice for you. This is also the position if your partner is really stubborn and will not listen to your point of view on what you want out of the case, you might want to take legal action.

Another downside is that it might not work if you and your partner have a lot of power differences. For instance, if one of you has a past of physical or emotional abuse, mediation might not be right for you.

Pros of Litigation

Litigation can be a great option if you are looking for a more organized and formal way to handle a dispute. In a courtroom, you must follow certain rules and procedures, and both sides have the chance to make their case in front of a judge. It is also a good option if you are worried about your safety or that of your kids.

If there is a history of abuse, or if one spouse is putting the other in danger, litigation can be a safer way to handle things. If you are looking for a way out of a bad marriage, litigation might be the way to go. If your partner is an unfit parent, has been violent or abusive, has hidden money from you or underestimated your worth, or has pressured you into bad divorce terms, then litigation might be the right option for you.

Cons of Litigation

Going to court for a divorce can be a huge hassle and cost a lot of money. It can also be really stressful and can make things worse for you and your partner. Also, in court, the judge decides how your divorce plays out, so you and your partner do not have as much say in what happens. This means that litigation can be stressful, expensive, and leave you with no control over the end result. If you have any doubts about what works for you, speaking with a family attorney in NYC is a good idea.

What option works for me?

When it comes to family law cases, the option that works for you all depends on your situation. Mediation might be the right choice if you can talk to each other clearly, while litigation might be necessary if you cannot come to an agreement. It does not mean you can try both options. Some couples might start with mediation and then proceed to litigation if things do not work out.

Working with a good family attorney in NYC can help you decide what is right for you.

Get help!

In family law cases, many different dynamics and details need to be considered when deciding whether mediation or litigation works for you. This is an important and complex decision to make, and you need the right legal help to know what works for your case. We know how hard it can be to go through a family dispute. That is why Gehi and Associates is here to help.

We will work with you to figure out the most effective way to protect your rights and get a good outcome for you, whether it is through mediation or legal action. Get in touch with us now to set up an initial free consultation and find out how we can help you with our care and skills.

FAQs

1. Why should I consider mediation?

Mediation is a great option if you are in the middle of a messy divorce and need a quick way out. It is a great way to save yourself a lot of money and time, and it can help ease some of the stress that comes with a typical litigation settlement.

2. When should I consider mediation?

You might want to consider mediation if you and your ex-spouse prefer to talk to each other and try to work out a divorce instead of going to court. This way, you can save yourself a lot of money if you are willing to work with your ex-spouse and have a good relationship.

3. What is the mediation process like?

At the first meeting, you will get an explanation of the process in detail. Then, you and your partner sit down with the mediator and start to talk about what you are worried about. The mediator gets all the financial info they need and decides what kind of deal you both want.

The mediator also ensures that everyone in the family is heard and that everyone’s needs are considered. These sessions usually last about an hour and a half. Once you have come to a tentative agreement, a family attorney will write you a formal agreement.

4. When should I take legal action in my case?

If you are facing a lot of issues, you might want to take legal action. If you think your partner is not a good parent, if they are being violent or abusive, if they are hiding money from you, or if they are trying to get you to agree to terms that are not fair, you may want to file a contested divorce petition.

5. Are agreements from mediation binding?

The answer is yes. If you decide to go through with mediation, the agreement you and your spouse make during your mediation session is legally binding as soon as you sign it. It is the same as a court-made order.

The post Mediation vs Litigation: The Role of a Family Attorney in NYC appeared first on Gehi Law - Gehi & Associates.