Family Law Mediator

Divorce Mediation in Oregon

How can an attorney help with your divorce mediation? The divorce mediation process provides parties with the true ability to control the full outcome of their dissolution of marriage. Almost all Oregon family law matters can be mediated with only a few exceptions. The key to a successful mediation is having parties that are willing to work together with the goal of a final resolution and identifying what is truly important to each of them throughout the process. For example, mediation does not work well for parties that would prefer a judge to decide the outcome for them after a lengthy traditionally litigated matter. Mediation does work well for parties that want to save costs, have a quick resolution of their matter, and want to control the full outcome of the case. Please note that divorce mediation differs from a collaborative divorce.

Parties can mediate with a neutral third party individually or they can have their own attorney assist them throughout the process. If they decide to retain a private attorney, the attorney may or may not be present during the mediation depending on the form of mediation that the parties choose. Mediation can begin and conclude prior to an Oregon dissolution, parenting time or support matter being filed or can occur while a case is pending. Mediation can take place in one lengthy meeting or over the course of several shorter meetings. The parties ultimately determine what the mediation process will be. A good mediator will guide the process and make suggestions so that the mediation moves forward in a productive, meaningful manner to optimize the chances of reaching an agreement.

Mediation works well because it is a less stressful and a less expensive alternative to a traditional Oregon divorce. In order for the process to work, the parties and the mediator all need to be fully informed about the marital estate and any parenting time and child custody issues. Once the baseline facts are established, the mediator will facilitate a discussion to address each parties’ differences, established priorities, goals, and important areas of concern. Next, the mediator will work to explore areas of compromise and to increase communication while reducing misunderstandings about priorities and each parties’ desires. Lastly, the mediator will not advocate for one party or the other but will remain a neutral third party that works with the parties to reach an agreement when possible. All points of agreement in mediation are solely within the parties’ power to make – the mediator cannot force anyone to agree.

What Happens After a Mediated Agreement is Reached?

Once the parties reach a mediated agreement, the next step is to reduce the agreement to a form of judgment (or supplemental judgment) or other order for the court that reflects the parties’ agreement. As a third party neutral, the mediator can assist in drafting the relevant documents. Each party is strongly recommended to meet with an attorney of their own (although they are not required to) to review the final paperwork. Once each party approves the final draft documents, the documents with the agreement get filed with the court.

Contact an Oregon Divorce Mediation Attorney

Parties often desire to save costs and reduce the stress of a divorce. The family law attorneys at a quality law firm understand the complexities of family law matters of all types and understand how a mediated outcome is often a better alternative to a lengthy litigated matter. If you would like to schedule a consult with a Portland divorce mediation attorney, call the Oregon state bar referral service to begin the process.