Mediation is a great way for families to resolve issues. It’s typically cheaper, faster, and more private than going through a Reno, NV courtroom to work things out and have a judge make the decisions. But it’s still important to have a family attorney on your side, even as you go into mediation.
Your Reno, NV Family Attorney and Mediation
In a mediation situation, you meet with a neutral third party who is trained in mediation. The mediator’s job is to help you talk together, stay focused on the issues at hand, and reach a compromise that works for everyone. It’s common to use mediation to resolve issues in divorce, child custody and visitation, alimony, property division, and more.A mediator is on no one’s side, and that’s important, but you still need someone on your side, looking out for your interests. Your attorney first makes sure you fully understand all your legal rights and options before you go to mediation. Your lawyer will protect you from accidentally waiving any important rights and will make sure that any proposed agreement is fair and enforceable under Nevada law. Your attorney is also there to ensure the power dynamics of the situation are balanced, advise you about whether something you want to do is going to be acceptable to the courts, and help you brainstorm agreements you can live with.
Preparing You
The first step is for your lawyer to prepare you for mediation. They’ll review all your financial documents, custody issues, or any other items that need to be dealt with. Then your lawyer will help you think through exactly what your priorities are, the legal issues that are at stake, and what kind of compromises you would be willing to come to (and what things would be dealbreakers for you). Your lawyer will also make sure all your documentation is properly prepared.
During the Mediation
It will be up to you and the other party, as well as the mediator, to decide whether lawyers are allowed in the actual mediation sessions. If allowed, your lawyer will be with you in the room, and if not, they will sit in a separate room and give you advice between your mediation sessions. This way your lawyer can review all proposed agreements immediately and help you evaluate any offers.
After Mediation
Once you finish the process, your attorney will help you by reviewing the final agreement. The first thing will be to make sure it’s fair to you and completely accurate. Then, your lawyer will make sure that it follows Nevada law and will be acceptable to the courts. Your lawyer can then submit this to the court for you along with all necessary documents that go with it.For help with mediation or any family law matter, contact us today at the Barber Law Group in Reno, NV.
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