Milwaukee Mediation Attorney

Resolving Disputes Without Going to Court

The divorce process can be emotionally draining, expensive, and difficult for both of the adults and the children. Every situation is unique and requires an approach that is best suited to the circumstances and the parties involved. At The Law Offices of Jason D. Baltz, we use a variety of methods to help our clients resolve disputes and move forward with their lives, including negotiation, trial, and mediation in Milwaukee.

If you have questions or want to discuss the possibility of mediation, call (414) 375-0797 for an initial consultation. 

Understanding the Mediation Process

When negotiations between divorcing spouses fails to result in an agreement about the terms of a divorce, another approach is needed. Many couples are not comfortable with a judge making the final decisions about their lives, families, and assets. In mediation, a neutral third party works with both parties to help them find common ground on the major issues in the divorce process.

Through mediation, divorcing couples are often able to make decisions about their:

• Assets
• Debts
• Children
• Property
• Retirement
• Insurance
• Taxes

The overall goal of the mediation process is compromise, so it is less adversarial in nature than other methods of resolving family law disputes. This method may be the best option for people interested in an amicable way to end their marriage, save money, and come to an agreement faster. It is especially useful for parents who are interested in preserving civil relationships for co-parenting.

Advantages of Mediation

You could decide to start with the mediation process, or the court may order mediation prior to a trial. Even when our clients were ordered by the court to participate in mediation to settle issues in mediation, many find the process beneficial for resolving outstanding issues. Whether mediation is your first choice or required by the court, the process can provide a number of benefits in divorce and family law cases.

The benefits of mediation include:

• Less expensive
• More affordable
• Greater confidentiality
• Less adversarial environment
• Allows for more control over the outcome

The mediator can explain the law to participants in mediation but will not advocate for either party. Couples can use one attorney, but some find having their own legal representation is helpful for ensuring that someone is looking out for their rights and best interests. If you are working with a divorce attorney, you agree to take no legal action during the course of mediation.

When Mediation Doesn’t Work

The outcome of mediation can vary widely. Some sessions are very productive and amicable, but there are usually a few issues that are more difficult to resolve. Mediators can help you understand the law to work through these issues and come to an agreement. While mediation can be an extremely useful method for resolving disputes between current and former spouses, the process is not always effective for resolving the terms of a divorce or custody dispute.

In the event that mediation in Milwaukee is not successful, you have the option of taking the case to trial and letting a judge make the final decision. Whether your case is resolved in mediation or court, our family law attorney will help you prepare your case, gather the required documentation and evidence, and provide the personalized representation you deserve.

Please call (414) 375-0797 to discuss your situation and find the best way to resolve your divorce and move on with your life.