The justice system is not immune to the uncertainty of our times. Just like many businesses, state court business hours and procedures are changing almost daily. As a result, it’s difficult to know when (or if) you’ll have access to court services, adding one more frustration in already difficult times.
So how do you mitigate possible delays and frustrations? If you’re going through a divorce, you can use an alternate dispute resolution strategy (ADR). Working with your spouse and an arbitrator or mediator can be faster, less expensive, and remove some of the uncertainty around the divorce process.
Mediation
In mediation, the parties work together with a trained mediator who facilitates conversation and resolution. When using mediation, you should always seek legal counsel before signing any documents or agreements to ensure your rights are protected.
Arbitration
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your spouse, you can choose arbitration. In arbitration, the parties hire a family law attorney who acts as a private judge to resolve the remaining disputes and moves the case forward on a timetable that is often faster than proceeding through the Family Court. Each side is given an opportunity to obtain important documents and information, to present their position through documents and/or witnesses. After hearing from both parties and any required experts, and reviewing all supporting documents, the arbitrator will issue a binding decision.
The family law team at PMK can help you find the best solution for your situation.
