Mediation and Settlement
It is very common these days for child
custody disputes, child support disputes,
and divorce actions in general to be
submitted to mediation. Many states require
mediation as an integral part of their
system. Other states simply make mediation
services available to litigants. In some
cases mediation is required by particular
judges, depending on the particular circumstances
of a case.
A mediator does not decide a case for
you. A mediator essentially sits on the “median,” or
in the middle between both sides. A mediator’s
job is to listen to both sides of an
argument, and to assist the parties in
helping them to find the middle ground.
Sometimes, a mediator will begin a mediation
session by having everybody sit at a
conference table in the same room. At
that stage the mediator may ask each
party or his lawyer to provide some background
on the case and on their view of the
facts. Then, it is common practice for
the mediator to separate the parties,
speaking with each of them individually
and trying to determine what facts or
information will help to settle the case.
By bringing the parties together and
separating them, the mediator is often
able to broker a settlement between them
that the parties were unable to reach
on their own. Once a mediation agreement
is reached, it is usually formalized
in writing and signed by the parties.
Successful mediations result in the complete
settlement of the case and can save each
party a great deal of time and money.
While mediators usually charge for their
services, the cost of mediation is generally
far less expensive than litigation in
a court of law.
If a mediation is unsuccessful, however,
the mediator cannot generally be called
as a witness in trial. Likewise, any
statement made by the parties during
the mediation session is generally not
admissible as evidence at the time of
trial.
Mediation is only one method of settling
a case. The parties may settle a case
on their own without a mediator—if
they are able to do so. They may also
settle the case, with the assistance
of their attorneys. Sometimes attorneys
are able to strike a settlement by communicating
on the phone, through email or regular
mail, and otherwise. In some cases, it
is appropriate for both parties and their
lawyers to meet in one of the law offices.
A four-way conference can result in a
settlement which ends the case without
the involvement of mediators or judges.
|