Why Did the Court Order Me to Attend Mediation?

Mediation is a form of ADR - Alternative Dispute Resolution. Court-ordered mediation is increasingly common prior to a case being heard by a judge. This is true for many reasons, including the fact that mediation allows parties to be flexible in working out a solution that works best for them. Judges have little chance to be flexible - the law is the law.

Consider the following scenario: a young mother, who routinely has trouble making ends meet, is offered a promotion and a raise if she can work weekends. As a single parent, that would be impossible according to the Standard Possession Order set by the state. However, in mediation, she and the child’s father could negotiate and modify their previous agreement to adapt to the new situation. The judge could then quickly approve the agreement they reach in mediation. In this example of court-ordered mediation, everyone wins. The parents are empowered to make their own decisions and the court doesn’t lose time on a trial to decide the issue for them.

If you are involved in a legal dispute, whether civil, divorce, or other family matter, chances are that the judge will send you to court-ordered mediation before ruling on the case. Remember, if you do attend a mediation, no one can force you to reach an agreement. Mediation simply provides an opportunity for the parties to participate in a facilitated conversation and attempt to find a solution to the issue at hand. Court ordered mediation doesn’t work out? No worries - the judge will still be there and will be more than willing to hear your case.

Are you being required to attend a court-ordered mediation? Contact Kimberly Barahona at Barahona Consulting & Mediation to schedule your civil, divorce, or family mediation today. No obligation, no cost initial consultation.

Website: www.bcmediation.net

Email: kbarahona@bcmediation.net

Phone: 832-439-3581