In Tennessee, all couples intending to go through a divorce must first seek mediation before going through a contested divorce. While some couples may later go through the court to settle their disputes, mediation can prove a very favorable alternative for those wishing to save time, money, and stress in the divorce process. Mediation is designed to help couples handle their divorce civilly and with as little disagreement as possible.

With the help of a certified, unbiased mediator, couples can meet and discuss the terms of their divorce, reaching agreements that work for both parties. This method has many benefits and can be helpful for individuals going through a variety of family legal issues.

The Benefits of Mediation

Through mediation, couples can resolve their issues without having to go to court. Litigation can be complex, and often pits spouses against one another. While litigation can sometimes come across as a legal battle for victory over the other person, mediation stresses the importance of collaboration and respect for both parties involved. Court battles can get messy and hurtful, and many of the issues that come out of litigation can seriously damage the relationship you have with the other party. For some people seeking a divorce, salvaging a friendly relationship is a lost cause, but for those who must remain in contact for the sake of their children, a nasty legal battle can make future relations extremely challenging.

Besides the emotional benefits of choosing mediation, this less contentious legal method also shares several other practical advantages.

The mediation process is usually quicker than litigation.

When you are free to set up your own date for mediation based on your schedule, and that of the other party’s, you can control when you meet and for how long. With litigation, you are assigned court dates, which can be pushed back or rescheduled, and can take months to obtain.

Mediation can save you money.

Because the mediation process can keep you out of the courtroom, it usually costs much less than litigation. While you will still want your own lawyer to represent you in the mediation process, you will likely require legal representation for less time, and therefore will pay fewer legal fees than you would if you went through a court battle.

You retain control in mediation.

When you go to court to settle your divorce, child custody battle, or other family law matter, you turn over all of your power to the judge. The judge will hate the authority to make the final decision in your case, even if both you and your spouse disagree. However, if you choose mediation, you will have the authority to refuse any decisions, and you can continue to work through any issues until both you and the other party are satisfied with your choices. Also, you have the freedom to come up with creative solutions that work for you and your unique situation.

If you are interested in mediation for your divorce or other family law dispute, our firm can help. Attorney Christopher J. Pittman is certified as a Rule 31 Listed Family Mediator, and he is well-qualified to help with your legal issues. He has undergone thorough domestic mediation training and has mediated more than one thousand cases in Tennessee. Also, when representing his clients as a family lawyer, Attorney Pittman uses his experience as a Mediator to better prepare his clients for the mediation process.

To get started today, contact Patton | Pittman Attorneys and ask for a free consultation.