Denver Attorney for Divorce Mediation

Divorce is often a challenging, emotional journey that can be fraught with conflict and stress. However, many couples in Denver are discovering the benefits of divorce mediation as a preferred alternative to traditional divorce proceedings.

Divorce mediation offers many advantages over traditional divorce. For spouses separating amicably, this can help them make important decisions quicker and move on with their lives with peace of mind, knowing that the serious issues have been settled. With the practical services our firm provides, you will likely find the expenses of divorce mediation much lower than a drawn-out divorce. You can also avoid stressful court dates since mediation can usually be scheduled according to your and your spouse’s availability.

Call YouLaw Colorado today at (720) 815-4421 for a free case analysis with an attorney for divorce mediation who cares.

How Divorce Mediation Works in Denver

Divorce mediation is a confidential, voluntary process where both parties work with a trained mediator to negotiate and resolve issues related to their divorce. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not make decisions for the couple. Instead, we guide the discussion, help clarify issues, and assist the couple in finding mutually agreeable solutions. Our primary goal is to ensure that both parties have an equal say in the negotiations and that all decisions are fair and balanced.

Because divorce mediation can cover a wide range of issues, it is often a much better solution for both parties. Spouses can negotiate through the mediator to reach agreements on important issues that will impact their lives for years to come. As a divorce mediation attorney, YouLaw can help answer any questions you might have about this process. To that end, the following are some of the areas that can be addressed and settled through divorce mediation in Denver:

The Division of Property

One of the most contentious issues in a divorce is the division of property and assets. During mediation, couples can negotiate who gets what, taking into account factors like each party’s financial situation, contributions to the marriage, and future needs. The mediator can typically provide information about the legal principles that would apply if a judge were making the decision, helping couples understand their options and make informed decisions.

Maintenance

Maintenance, known in other places as alimony or spousal support, is another issue that can be negotiated during divorce mediation. Parties will usually disclose the length of the marriage, each party’s financial resources, and the standard of living established during the marriage to determine whether alimony should be part of the agreement, as per Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-10-114(3)(a). Through mediation, couples can agree on the amount and duration of alimony payments that are fair and reflective of both spouses’ circumstances.

Parental Responsibility

In Denver, the courts favor arrangements that allow both parents to have a significant role in their children’s lives as long as it is in the children’s best interests. During mediation, parents can work together to develop a parental responsibility plan that suits their family’s needs and schedules. The mediator will facilitate discussions about issues like the children’s primary residence, holidays, and how decisions regarding the children’s education will be made.

Child Support

Child support is usually calculated using a formula that takes into account both parents’ incomes, the number of overnights each parent has with the children, and several other factors, according to Colo. Rev. Stat. § 14-10-115(2). However, in mediation, parents have the flexibility to deviate from this formula if they both agree it is in the best interests of their children. They can also discuss and agree upon how future expenses like college tuition will be handled.

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Denver

Divorce mediation in Denver offers various benefits, making it an attractive alternative to a traditional divorce lawsuit. It is typically quicker, less contentious, and much more cost-effective. The following are just a few of the advantages of using divorce mediation that can help you move on with your life faster:

Typically Quicker Than a Traditional Divorce

One of the most significant benefits of divorce mediation is its speed. Unlike traditional divorce proceedings that can drag on for months or even years because of court schedules and procedural complexities, mediation can often be completed in a fraction of the time. This is largely because the process is driven by the couple’s willingness to negotiate and reach agreements rather than being subject to court timelines or dragging the conflict out.

Sometimes, an agreement can be made in what is referred to as “one-and-done” mediation, a process where the parties resolve their dispute within a single, comprehensive session. If both spouses are on the same page, coming to a resolution as quickly as one day is not out of the question.

Helps Avoid Conflict

Arguably, the greatest advantage of divorce mediation is its ability to reduce conflict. The adversarial nature of traditional divorce litigation often makes tensions much worse, making it harder for spouses to communicate effectively and actually achieve the goals they desire.

In contrast, mediation promotes open communication and collaboration, helping couples focus on problem-solving rather than blame-slinging. This approach makes the divorce process less contentious and sets the foundation for healthier post-divorce coordination between the parties, which is particularly beneficial when children are involved.

Less Expensive Than Divorce Litigation

Financial strain is a significant concern during divorce. However, spouses who opt for mediation in Denver can expect to spend significantly less than those who choose traditional divorce litigation.

The primary reason is that mediation generally requires fewer sessions and involves less legal paperwork, leading to lower attorney fees and court costs. Moreover, since the process is usually quicker, parties also save on the indirect costs associated with prolonged legal battles, such as missed workdays, travel costs, and childcare needs.

Protects Confidentiality

Divorce can be a deeply personal matter, and many people value their privacy during this challenging time. Divorce mediation is a confidential process, unlike court proceedings, which are public records.

Everything discussed during mediation stays within the confines of the mediation room, providing couples with a private space to negotiate and resolve their issues. This confidentiality not only protects parties’ privacy but also promotes open and honest communication, as individuals can express their concerns without fear of public exposure.

Records might only be made public if the parties agree to make it public or if making the report public is court-ordered. However, courts usually only order this when there is the possibility of a crime or other harmful act occurring.

Less Stressful for Children Involved

Divorce can be a tumultuous time for any family, and perhaps no one feels the impact more severely than the children involved. However, because mediation focuses on collaboration, it creates a more peaceful environment for all parties involved, particularly the children.

This child-centered approach ensures that decisions about custody, visitation, and other child-related matters are made with the welfare of the child at the forefront. By reducing hostility and maintaining consistency, divorce mediation can provide a more stable and less stressful environment for your children.

An Attorney for Divorce Mediation in Denver Can Help You with a Process that Focuses on Collaboration and Moving Your Life Forward

For a free case assessment with an experienced divorce mediation attorney, contact YouLaw Colorado by calling (720) 815-4421.