Couples may choose to focus on particular issues. In fact, I as a mediator like to focus on one issue at a time. There are major issues in divorce cases, one of them being parenting time and custody of the children. With couples that have children, often times, that’s a very big priority for mediation. Sometimes, all they mediate about is the parenting plan for the children. But you can do it piecemeal and get maybe the parenting plan figured out. Then the next step might be to work on the property division.
Typically, the hardest, most difficult part or the one that people are going to not agree on as easily is the amount of spousal support. That one we usually save until last to try to negotiate. Even if the parties aren’t able to resolve all of their issues, they can still narrow the issues and save money and cost at trial because they’ve settled the majority of the issues and maybe they just have a few things to take to the judge that they couldn’t agree on. Mediation can still be a big benefit, even if not all of the issues are resolved.
Laura Schantz, a Beaverton divorce and family lawyer and mediator has helped clients find creative solutions to complex financial matters involving asset division, spousal support, and child support. To learn more about Laura Schantz and her firm, visit www.oregondivorceattorney.com.
Add A Comment