After deciding to mediate your divorce, the last thing you want is a poor choice to hold things up. You’ve chosen mediation for a handful of reasons – one of them likely being its potential to finalize faster than litigation. A mediator who lacks expertise, relevant training, or a stellar track record can put those hopes at risk, extending the pain and costs of your divorce.
But with a bit of vetting, you can find the best divorce mediator near you and for your specific situation. Here are three things to look for in a divorce mediator – and if you require a consultation, don’t hesitate to call The Offices of Jennifer Owens.
Choosing the Best Divorce Mediator Near You
Plenty of offices, including our own, offer free initial consultations to determine whether working together will be a fit. Still, there are a few standards every divorce mediator can be held to. To ensure you’re hiring the best divorce mediator near you, make sure your prospect offers the following:
Specialized Legal Expertise
When you initially consult a divorce mediator, it’s important to vet their specializations. One mediator may have more relevant credentials than another, based on your divorce’s demands.
Rather than hiring a pure mediator, you could hire an attorney as your mediator if there are multiple items you and your spouse can’t agree on. Attorneys who also mediate are typically seasoned in all topics related to divorce and are capable of litigating cases that don’t make it to mediation. This is what you receive at The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens – an attorney and mediator with your best interest in mind.
Relevant Training
As with any service, you’ll need a mediator who’s been appropriately trained. This is especially true if you’re working with an attorney who mediates. Hiring a pitbull litigator who rarely mediates, for example, when your goal is to work towards an agreement, may not be the best fit. Instead, opt for an attorney who specializes in divorce mediation for the best chance at a peaceful settlement.
Track Record of Success
Whether you’re buying a new desk, trying a new restaurant, or hiring a divorce mediator, the vetting process is the same: online reviews. With the abundance of testimonials available on Yelp and Google, it’s never been easier to start off on the right foot. So, boost your chances of a good fit by making an online review comparison. If they have five stars and more than a few reviews, they’re likely worth giving a call.
Jennifer Owens, Esq.: The Best Divorce Mediator Near You
At the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, we revel in the power of choice. When spouses face divorce, they’re presented with a slew of decisions with a handful of potential outcomes. Our attorneys are believers in the best possible outcome, where a former couple chooses peace over destruction so that they can finally move on to their next chapter. No matter your desired path – mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will help you achieve the best possible outcome by reaching a settlement that keeps all involved parties in mind. Visit our website to review our family law services, or contact us online for a free consultation.
Great tip about finding someone to act as a mediator. I need to get an attorney to help with my sister’s case. She is trying to sue for defamation.