How to Choose the Best Divorce Mediator Near Me ?
Fact: Mediation is much better choice than going straight to court in order to handle your divorce.
Yet, how can you be sure of choosing the best divorce for your matter?
You can do your own search,
You can ask your friends,
Or you can learn from other's experiences.
This article crafts the 4 steps that will make your selection process more efficient. it's based on a thorough research within documented experiences.
Let's dive in.
Divorce Mediation Makes a Huge Difference
Many divorcing couples have discovered that using mediation to help them make decisions for their future is a much better choice than going straight to court. In addition to being much faster, mediation will allow you to have a cheap divorce and decisions are made by mutual agreement, resulting in a higher rate of compliance and, sometimes, the preservation of civility between the parties.
Divorce mediation? Does it really work?
The answer is a YES,
If you consider that nearly 90% of mediated divorce cases have settled successfully.
That’s great! How can I start?
The first a step toward a peaceful divorce is to select your divorce mediator.
There are many mediators who practice divorce mediation – how do you choose the best one for your case?
There are 4 Steps for How to Find the Best Divorce Mediator:
- Step 1: Understand the qualifications of a “good” divorce mediator
- Step 2: Find divorce mediators near you
- Step 3: Meet with your candidates in person
- Step 4: Make your selection
Let's detail each step.
Step 1: Understand the qualifications of a “good” divorce mediator
Choosing a mediator qualified to handle your divorce is critical to achieving an agreeable dissolution of marriage. Your mediator will play a vital role in reaching decisions about long-term financial and emotional well-being for you and your family, so it is worth investing time to learn the qualifications of a good mediator.
Experience
How long has the mediator been in business? How many cases has he handled, and how many were similar to yours?
Training
Find a mediator that has received extensive training in divorce mediation. Basic training for divorce mediation takes at least 40 hours, but some states require no training or certification at all, so it’s important to pay attention.
Philosophy and approach
The best mediators know when to offer options to the divorcing couple and when to let the couple talk it out themselves. Look for a mediator that you think would be a comfortable fit for you.
Step 2: Find the best divorce mediators near me
If you and your spouse live in different locations, choose mediators in a location agreeable to both of you. There are a variety of ways to locate local mediators:
Personal referrals
Other couples who used mediation during their divorce should be able to provide insight on mediators in your area.
Online directories
A number of websites offer online mediator directories, but there is only with a fully automated selection platform that makes finding a mediator very easy. Use MediatorSelect directory to search divorce mediators near your location or any keyword you choose; then browse each mediator’s detailed profile to discover their individual philosophies (see Step 2). Use private messaging to share your selections and personal opinions back and forth with your spouse.
Other local referral sources
If there is a bar association near you, they may have a mediator referral service. Also check with local mediation associations and dispute resolution centers.
By the end of Step 2, you should have a list of qualified candidates who practice in a location available to both parties.
Step 3: Meet with your candidates in person
You will learn valuable information from an in-person meeting. Fortunately, many divorce mediators offer a free consultation. During the consultation, confirm that the mediator:
Is invested in you
Your first impression of the mediator should be a positive one. Look for someone who appears to be a pleasant person to work with and free of biases regarding gender, race, sexual orientation, and the like. They should be compassionate and genuinely interested in the well-being of your family.
Is a great problem solver
Mediators should grasp complexities quickly. Ask what their resolution rate is for cases similar to yours.
Can explain the entire administrative process
The initial consultation should include a discussion of the process of legally filing a divorce, and how involved the mediator will be in that process. What will mediation fees include?
Can provide a range of services, or facilitate getting them
Sometimes other services are needed during a divorce -- if the mediator provides them, is there a separate fee? If the mediator does not provide the service directly, can s/he refer you to trusted professionals who can? (The answer should be an immediate yes.) These additional services may include:
- Real estate/Mortgage valuation
- Pension valuation
- Emotional support
- Child welfare evaluation
- Accountant services
Includes the settlement agreement in their fee
The goal of divorce mediation is to reach mutually agreed-upon decisions regarding the couple’s property, finances, and children. The agreement is drawn up in a specific document that both parties sign. Does the candidate draft this document, or will you have to pay an attorney to do so?
Has a payment structure you can work with
Payment structures vary greatly, so after discovering what the mediator offers and what the fees are, find out how you will be expected to pay. Is there a retainer? Will you be billed hourly, or per session? Are payments made upfront or after each session?
Step 4: Make your selection
After meeting your candidates in person, you should have a list of qualified candidates who practice in a location available to both parties.
Discuss them with your spouse and choose one that you both felt comfortable with.
Get started – we’ve made it convenient
Selecting the right mediator for your divorce is the first vital decision to make after deciding to divorce. MediatorSelect has developed a smart selection platform to make the job much easier, including:
- An innovative case platform that allows you to search candidates and communicate suggestions directly to your spouse with just a few clicks.
- Robust recommendations and testimonials feature telling you the good things previous clients have to say.
- Introductory videos that give you a “feel” for each mediator in a way that a static profile picture simply can’t.
Start selecting the best divorce mediator near you now – open a free case at MediatorSelect.
