Gain More Control Over Your Divorce With An Experienced Mediator
The divorce process can often make those involved feel overwhelmed and without a say in the final judgments. A judge presiding over an issue like child custody may lead to an undesired outcome for both parties. In general, adding a trial to your divorce can be costly and intimidating. Mediation is a more cost-effective process that will give you and your spouse more control over your divorce.
At Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., in Reston, we provide families with supportive legal counsel wherever they are in their divorce stage. Our aim in facilitating divorce mediation is to make your process as painless as possible.
Mediation Creates An Agreement Catered To Your Needs
Divorce mediation is an out-of-court process used to resolve family conflicts in which parties identify what is important to them, discuss options and determine their own outcomes. A mediator helps guide the parties through this process, typically ending in a comprehensive written settlement agreement. Our Northern Virginia divorce mediation lawyer from Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., can help you with this process.
The divorce mediation process is relatively simple. The divorcing couple and their mediator will meet in private and discuss what important matters to factor into agreements. Such matters will include asset division, child custody arrangements and – if necessary – spousal support. Once both parties come to an agreement on these matters, the mediator will draft the official agreement for both parties to review before submission.
Mediation can also be used in formulating prenuptial agreements in a more personal and less confrontational manner.
Answering Common Mediation Questions
Below, we have compiled a list of important questions and answers regarding your options for settling a dispute outside of court.
Why should I consider mediation for my divorce or post-divorce conflict?
Mediation allows couples to work through sometimes difficult custody, support and property division issues. It avoids the expense, stress and uncertainty of a judge deciding your family issues in a structured environment. Mediation allows the parties to informally craft their own solutions instead of turning over important decisions to a virtual stranger.
Couples who successfully mediate their disputes rather than presenting the issues to a judge have ownership over the solutions and are more likely to abide by the agreements that they reach so that they can move past their disputes. This is especially important when children are involved.
How long will mediation take?
Mediation sessions generally take two to three hours per session, and couples are generally given tasks to complete between sessions to ensure that the time can be used efficiently once they meet with the mediator again.
While mediation is a much more efficient process than a trial divorce, it is hard to determine the length of any given mediated divorce. Every case varies. Typically, mediation will take between three and five sessions. Some can be shorter and some can be longer, depending on the number of issues and the degree of conflict between the parties.
Complications can arise while dividing various assets, for instance, and that may result in additional meetings. However, our attorneys have decades of experience in divorce law. We know the best ways to streamline your process without losing sight of what matters.
Who will be the mediator?
At Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., attorney Brian Hirsch is certified in family mediation with the Virginia Supreme Court and has practiced family law since 1985. He is a highly skilled and knowledgeable Northern Virginia divorce mediation attorney. Though our office is located in Fairfax County, he has experience mediating cases for couples living in Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlington County and Alexandria city. His experience as a family law litigator in the courts of Northern Virginia allows him to provide insight for couples as needed while guiding them through the mediation process to find the solutions that best meet their families’ needs.
Is mediation confidential?
Yes, mediation is a confidential process. This allows the parties freedom in discussing options without the fear that it will later be brought up in court.
If we mediate all of our issues, do we still need to go to court?
If you have a comprehensive mediated settlement agreement, you can avoid going to court. You may have to finalize your divorce or incorporate the settlement agreement into an order of the court, but this is a fairly administrative process and does not typically involve any court appearances. Mediated agreements are accepted throughout Virginia, including all Northern Virginia courts. Our skilled Northern Virginia divorce mediation attorney can help you draft a comprehensive agreement that best suits your interests.
Do I still need a lawyer?
Mediation is not a substitute for you receiving independent legal advice, and independent legal counsel is encouraged. However, your lawyer’s involvement in mediation is typically far less than if the matters were fully negotiated or litigated.
Can the mediator file for divorce for me once we have a settlement agreement?
No, the mediator cannot file for divorce for you. Your lawyer or your spouse’s lawyer will need to do this. However, the divorce process is vastly simpler if you already have a comprehensive mediated settlement agreement and typically does not involve any court appearances.
Can I end mediation if I do not think it is beneficial?
Yes, either party or the mediator may terminate mediation at any time. Mediation is a completely voluntary process.
Why use a Reston divorce mediation attorney?
At Hirsch & Ehlenberger, P.C., Brian Hirsch brings his extensive family law background to his mediation practice, including his experience practicing throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlington County and Alexandria city. He has practiced family law in Northern Virginia since 1985 and is certified in family mediation by the Virginia Supreme Court. His experience not only includes successfully mediating family law matters but also litigating such family law issues at the trial and appellate levels.
He is a former chair on the Board of Governors of the Virginia State Bar’s Family Law Section, has lectured and written extensively in the area of family law, and is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He is the lead author of The Virginia Family Law Trial Handbook and former editor of the Virginia Family Law Quarterly published by the Virginia State Bar. He has been recognized by the Washingtonian, the Northern Virginia Magazine, the Virginia Business and The Best Lawyers in America as a top divorce lawyer.
How much will mediation cost?
Mediation with Brian Hirsch is $450 per hour (total, not per party). Payment is due at the end of each mediation session.
Connect With Our Office For More Information
In addition to its cost-efficiency, mediation via divorce is a more private option. We offer family law services throughout Northern Virginia. To schedule a consultation, call us at 703-239-4832 or reach out using our online contact form.