Mediation is a confidential process that allows the two parties to meet with a certified, impartial mediator to reach an agreement on some or all of the elements of their case. In Indiana, couples can mediate with or without attorneys.
INDIANA
Family Law Mediation
INDIANA
Family Law Mediation
By the time most people going through a family law case figure out they don’t want a judge to make choices for them, it’s too late.
Family law mediation is your chance to stay in the driver’s seat.
At Paradigm Shift Mediation, we offer mediation as an alternative to the “battle” of litigation. We’re here to help you resolve things fairly and amicably, and then move forward to the next chapter of your lives.
By the time most people going through a family law case figure out they don’t want a judge to make choices for them, it’s too late.
Family law mediation is your chance to stay in the driver’s seat.
At Paradigm Shift Mediation, we offer mediation as an alternative to the “battle” of litigation. We’re here to help you resolve things fairly and amicably, and then move forward to the next chapter of your lives.
”“Melinda's professionalism and her compassion for her clients was a breath of fresh air! She really did listen to me and worked to get the best possible settlement.”
~ Susan
The Family Law Mediation Process in Indiana
In either situation, neither the attorney nor the mediator is in charge of the process – rather, the parties are the ones making all the final decisions.
In Indiana, family law mediators must follow the Indiana Rules of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). These rules cover a variety of topics, including qualifications for family law mediators, mediation costs, and best mediation procedure practices.
The mediation procedure typically includes:
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Identifying key issues
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Clarifying misunderstandings
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Discussing solutions
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Negotiating a settlement
The mediation procedure typically includes:
-
Identifying key issues
-
Clarifying misunderstandings
-
Discussing solutions
-
Negotiating a settlement
The mediator acts as a conduit for a settlement that allows the parties to avoid a costly and time-consuming trial.
It is important to note that decision-making must be voluntary. This means that the settlement will only include the issues upon which both parties agree.
The mediator acts as a conduit for a settlement that allows the parties to avoid a costly and time-consuming trial.
It is important to note that decision-making must be voluntary. This means that the settlement will only include the issues upon which both parties agree.
Benefits of Mediation
The mediation process is confidential – negotiations shared during mediation cannot be used against either party:
- Neither party can call the mediator as a witness.
- Neither party can discuss what was said during mediation in court.
Mediation is an opportunity to discuss your current issues openly and freely.
Family law mediation is also a more creative process than a typical courtroom trial. In mediation, parties are more likely to compromise upon their differences and agree to creative solutions that would be impossible for a judicial officer to order, as they are limited to remedies available under certain Indiana statutes.
Finally, mediation can lead to better relationship and communication practices going forward – which is particularly important if you and the other party will be co-parenting once your matter is finalized.
Mediation is an opportunity to discuss your current issues openly and freely.
Family law mediation is also a more creative process than a typical courtroom trial. In mediation, parties are more likely to compromise upon their differences and agree to creative solutions that would be impossible for a judicial officer to order, as they are limited to remedies available under certain Indiana statutes.
Finally, mediation can lead to better relationship and communication practices going forward – which is particularly important if you and the other party will be co-parenting once your matter is finalized.
What If My Partner Hasn’t Agreed to Mediation?
If you’re ready to sit down and put your differences aside in mediation but the other party still needs some convincing, you’re certainly not alone.
There are many reasons why someone might be hesitant to use mediation.
Here are some of the common reasons we’ve seen:
- The person refuses to cooperate out of spite
- The person does not understand what family law mediation is
- The person is afraid they won’t be legally protected
Our team at Paradigm Shift Mediation is happy to provide each of you with more information about the family law mediation process.
We can provide both of you with information to make each of you more comfortable. Forms are also available on our website to request an order for mediation, appoint a particular mediator, and allocate costs. Since the mediator does not represent either party, we can provide this information for both of you to use.
Our team at Paradigm Shift Mediation is happy to provide each of you with more information about the family law mediation process.
We can provide both of you with information to make each of you more comfortable. Forms are also available on our website to request an order for mediation, appoint a particular mediator, and allocate costs. Since the mediator does not represent either party, we can provide this information for both of you to use.
Contact Paradigm Shift Mediation
Everyone deserves an opportunity to live a better life. Mediation empowers people to lead their own process to move on to the next chapter of their journey. Contact Paradigm Shift Mediation today to schedule your consultation, and we’ll give you all the tools you need to get started.
