Pros and cons of mediation during divorce

The idea of hiring a divorce attorney at the first hint of separation is tempting, but it can be costly. In some cases, a wiser strategy can be to opt for mediation. A professional mediator is often well versed with divorce and family law. His or her job is to help the husband and wife come to an agreement that is acceptable to both parties. A professional mediator can also assist resolution once divorce proceedings have begun. The option of mediation is attractive for many reasons not least of which is because it usually costs less. Mediation is also often a faster alternative to protracted litigation. Mediation is not without limitations however. This blog looks at the pros and cons of opting for mediation during a divorce:

Pros

Here are the advantages of mediation:

• Peace of mind as mediation of your divorce is usually more peaceful and less contentious.
• Faster agreements
• Less expensive
• Easier on children
• Greater chances of a better long-term relationship between spouses. This is particularly important if children are involved.
• More privacy as everything that goes on in mediation is protected by the confidential mediation privilege and not part of the public record or even admissible in court.
• More control because it is you making decisions, not the judge

Cons

As stated previously, mediation is not a silver bullet that will solve all your divorce issues immediately. When you opt for mediation, keep these facts in mind:

• You could end up wasting time and money if you and your spouse fail to reach an agreement.
• The agreement can be unfavorable to you if the mediator is biased toward your spouse.
• The agreement arising out of mediation may not enforceable as it can be challenged in court.
• The Court has the final say if a disagreement arises after mediation.
• There is a lesser chance of uncovering assets if one of the spouses is intent on hiding some or all of his or her assets.
• Mediation may not be as helpful in cases where one spouse is more domineering and the other spouse is more deferential.

Mediation is often a less contentious, expensive, and more peaceful way to obtain a divorce or resolve ongoing divorce proceedings before things spiral out of control. However it is not a silver bullet. It has its pros and cons. Therefore, choose wisely.

Three legal rights women have during divorce

Laws concerning dissolution of marriages are complex and vary between states. If you are a woman considering a divorce, consult an attorney who is aware of the family laws of your state. For instance, if you live in California, it is critical to find a California family law attorney, or a divorce attorney from Los Angeles whose expertise lies in divorce.  It is not advisable to partake in DIY (do-it-yourself) divorces, or accept counsel from the lawyer of your husband. Having your own attorney is crucial to protect your rights and minimize the financial and emotional burden. A lawyer can make you aware of your rights and present convincing arguments in your favor in court.

Although a lawyer is your best guide during your divorce, you can make his or her job easier if you educate yourself. This blog sets you on the path to learning that will go a long way to assist you during your divorce. It lists three legal rights you, as a woman, have during divorce: 

• Equal property rights

Courts recognize that the property claims of a husband and a wife are equally valid. As a woman, you have a right to 50 percent of all the property you acquired jointly with your husband during your marriage.

• Separate property

There are products and items that you use as a woman. These may include jewelry, clothes, and even your car. In many instances, this property remains yours after a divorce , particularly, if it was acquired prior to your marriage or was a gift. However, if these items were acquired during your marriage, courts sometimes order women to liquidate their precious items - diamond jewelry – and either divide the proceeds equally with their husband.

• Right to discovery

Division of assets is usually the most critical part of a divorce case. However, some husbands do not participate in the process honestly. They try to hide their assets. As a woman, you have a right to use all legal means - including orders from court - to force your husband to disclose all his assets for their honest and rightful division.

Important Reasons You Need to Hire a Divorce Attorney

When anticipating a divorce in LA, it is important that you arm yourself with a qualified divorce lawyer in California. Even if your divorce case is not complex, it is still important that you seek the services of a good divorce lawyer, and here is why.

There is power in knowledge

Chances are you are getting divorced for the first time, and that makes it an unknown, and unchartered water to you. While you may have some basic ideas regarding how divorce process works in California, chances are you do not know everything you need to go through a successful divorce process. A divorce lawyer has knowledge and skills in family law. He knows every nook and cranny of state and federal family law. The lawyers will advise you of your marital as well as human rights with respect to the marriage as enshrined in the state and federal laws. With this knowledge, you can have the peace of mind that the lawyer will lead you through the right path.

Legal counsel

As already mentioned, the expertise and skills of the lawyer are very essential during the entire divorce process. The attorney will be able to exercise your rights and present your case meticulously. In addition, he will advise you on matters like negotiating for custody, child support and divorce property division. Most lawyers also have great connection. They know who to approach and where to go for supporting details to your case.

Save money in the long run

When you are in the process of filing a divorce, your best defense is your skilled attorney, make no mistake. And understandably, skilled lawyers are not cheap. However, hiring a skilled lawyer, cost notwithstanding, is an important investment. It is a cost effective decision in the long run. He will help you get a favorable outcome for your case. Better still, he can ensure that your case is resolved speedily. When you settle for the cheapest lawyer money can hire, chances are you will be ending up with an inexperienced, and perhaps unskilled lawyer handling your case. With such mediocre representation, you risk losing your children’s custody, or ownership to your properties as well.

So, never give it a second thought. Get yourself a California divorce lawyer, and a competent one at that. This way, your chances of winning will be quite high and the lawyer will help you get a favorable ruling from the judge. Remember, great lawyers deliver great results. Hire a divorce attorney Los Angeles wisely!

Important Considerations when Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in California

Separation is a standout amongst the most complicated and traumatizing experiences that anyone can ever go through. In the event that you're going through a divorce process in California, it’s critical that you contract an exceptional California state licensed divorce legal advisor who can help you through the whole process. However much as could reasonably be expected, you need somebody with specialization and enough experience on the specific case you're confronting.

Divorce is not something that any couple might wish for, however when the undesirable happens, it is urgent that you have a great California divorce attorneys to back you up. But, in the world of many fakes, finding a reputable divorce attorney Los Angeles could be a daunting task, yet you can rest assured that it can be done!

There are truly a number of variables you have take into consideration when you are searching for a divorce lawyer in California, but the two most imperative keys are how experienced the legal advisor is with regards to California divorce and other family law matters and the commitment that he or she has to ensure a favorable outcome for you, the client.

The knowledge of the attorney you pick in terms of managing divorce and family law matters is exceptionally critical due to the fact that it will decide whether you are set to win your case or not. If you end up with an inexperienced attorney, it will be a waste of effort, time, and cash. Hence, it is crucial that you pick a separation lawyer with critical experience on the said subject. You may not understand it, but diverse separation legal counselors have distinctive specializations. Case in point---one legal advisor may be a master in managing uncontested separation cases, but is bad in managing more unpredictable financial issues. Find a separation legal advisor whose specialization is custom-tailored precisely to the specific case you are faced with.

The second imperative key you have to think about is the cost of the services offered by the attorney. However much as could reasonably be expected, you ought to discuss the payment structure before getting into a contract with the lawyer. Ask your divorce attorney how he expects to be paid as well as the payment structure and amounts

Talking with various lawyers is important before settling on one. It is exceptionally imporant that you find a divorce lawyer who has experience in handling cases similar to yours.  Having said this, you have to clarify to your potential attorney what you expect from them, and in the meantime, you may as well ask him or her what they anticipate from you in exchange. This way, you will be sure that you are reading from the same script throughout the divorce proceedings.