Most spouses assume that mediation is only possible during divorce, but you might also engage in this alternative resolution strategy years after your marriage has ended. One of the most common reasons to engage in mediation after divorce is to resolve various modifications. For example, you might want to alter your child support, child custody, or spousal support agreement. What happens during this process, and when might you need a divorce lawyer in Atlanta?
Why Should I Avoid Court During Modifications?
Mediation helps you avoid going to court in order to resolve your modification. This is beneficial for a number of reasons. First of all, going to court is almost always more expensive than resolving your issues behind closed doors. Secondly, mediation can resolve your issues in a relatively streamlined manner – while you might face all kinds of unpreventable delays in court. In addition, mediation is inherently confidential – and intimate family details will not go on public record.
In fact, you and your ex should attempt to resolve your differences before you even consider enlisting the help of a lawyer. You might be able to compromise on various issues regarding child custody, for example. Perhaps one parent believes that a child should go to private school, while the other believes public school is the best option. If parents can agree on how to handle these disputes via private discussions, they can completely eliminate their legal fees.
That being said, mediation is a relatively low-cost strategy – and bringing in a professional mediator should not be overly expensive. Many mediation sessions last only a few hours, and you can resolve your differences within a matter of weeks in most cases. The less time you spend on this process, the less money you’ll spend on legal fees.
When Might I Need Mediation for Modification Issues in Georgia?
There are a range of different modification situations that may benefit from mediation in Georgia. Custody is a common source of disputes,m and these disputes may involve either legal or physical custody. Legal custody involves major parenting decisions, and both usually share this decision-making power. If parents cannot agree on how to handle decisions like education, religion, and medical treatments, litigation may be necessary unless mediation is successful.
Exes can also engage in mediation to handle modifications of child support or alimony. For example, one spouse might attempt to pay less support after losing their job, suffering a disability, or retiring. Instead of going to court, both spouses can engage in mediation – eventually agreeing upon a modified support sum based on the circumstances at play.
Find a Qualified Divorce Lawyer in Atlanta
If you have been searching for a divorce lawyer in Atlanta, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous families throughout the Georgia area – including those who need to modify existing agreements and court orders. To learn more about the mediation process for modifications, be sure to book a consultation with us at your earliest convenience.
