NCJ Number
96048
Journal
Land and Water Review Volume: 18 Dated: (Fall 1983) Pages: 693-711
Date Published
1983
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Divorce mediation is an alternative which deserves serious consideration, given the strain on the traditional methods of family law practice produced by the dramatic changes being experienced by the family
Abstract
Evolving values and new divorce laws are resulting in a need for new and innovative means of handling legal matters related to the family. Although divorce mediation should not be considered a solution to all marital disputes, it is one apprroach now available. It can provide a process through which the hostility and tension of the adversarial approach may be avoided. As a result, the attorney, the clients, and their children will be able to experience the positive effects of a peaceful resolution procedure. Divorce mediation has several steps. During the first step, the mediator evaluates the parties, who have reached a voluntary decision to mediate, to determine if the circumstances will allow for effective mediation. The process continues with an orientation meeting, which may be used to resolve some issues of immediate concern. After a mediation agreement is signed, the work of mediating a final settlement begins. Lawyers represent one of the few professions qualified to offer this avenue of dispute resolution to their clients. A total of 106 footnotes are supplied.