St. Louis Divorce & Family Law Attorney - The Betz Law Firm

St. Louis Divorce & Family Law Attorney - The Betz Law Firm

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What is Family Law Mediation, and What Are the Advantages?

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For mediation to work in your situation, you and your spouse will eventually need to get on the same page about the terms of your divorce.

If you are involved in family law litigation, you may be required by the judge to attempt to mediate your case. If you and your spouse agree, you may choose mediation rather than go to court before a judge. But what is mediation, is it suitable for your situation, and what are the advantages?

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method that people can use instead of going to court in front of a judge. This process utilizes a third party, a mediator, to help two parties agree on matters relating to divorce, child custody, and other legal issues.

Sometimes a judge may refer the parties to mediation, and at other times, the parties may request the use of a mediator. Mediation gives divorcing couples a way to deal with issues that need to be resolved with the help of attorneys but without going to court. The mediation process is typically considered more prompt, inexpensive, and procedurally simple than formal litigation.

Advantages of Mediation

When mediation is suitable for your situation, there are many benefits to choosing this forum. Settling disputes through mediation saves money and time and generally leaves the parties in a better state of mind.

The advantages of choosing mediation include:

  • Greater control – Mediation increases the power the parties have over the resolution. Each party is directly involved in negotiating their agreement – no settlement can be imposed upon you.
  • Convenience – Mediation is a convenient way to settle a dispute. The meeting is arranged at a suitable venue. Each party has its own room and a separate room for joint sessions. The mediator talks to both parties together and privately and a settlement is reached.
  • Confidential– Court proceedings are public. However, mediation is private and entirely confidential.
  • Voluntary – Mediation is entirely voluntary. Either party can leave at any time.
  • Inexpensive – Mediation generally costs much less than trying to settle the matter in court. Traditional litigation can be costly, and the total cost is often unpredictable.
  • Procedurally straightforward – Going to court is typically complicated. More people are involved, more paperwork to process, etc. Mediation is, in comparison, much more uncomplicated.
  • Quicker – The process can be slow and time-consuming when going to court. When mediation is used early in a dispute, an agreement can generally be reached more quickly.
  • Support – Mediators are trained and experienced in difficult situations. You have his support as he is a neutral facilitator and helps each party through the process.

Contact The Betz Law Firm

If you need assistance learning more about the advantages of mediation or how the process works, contact The Betz Law Firm. Mediation is appropriate at any stage of a dispute and doesn’t require an underlying legal case. When used early in a dispute, mediation can help reduce conflict and keeps costs from escalating.

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

Our firm uses experience, good communication, and availability to help families get through life changing events.

Call (314) 801-8488

Contact Us Online
Mar 23, 2022 @ 6:50 pm

5 Methods For Approaching the Divorce Process

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When you choose to work with a divorce attorney, you get a divorce law expert in your corner. Unlike a mediator, your lawyer will work for you, rather than you and your spouse.

When it comes to the divorce process, everyone has a different idea of what it entails. For some, that means a civil mediation. For others, they picture a long and frustrating courtroom experience. The reality is that there are a variety of methods people use when getting a divorce. We discuss the 5 most common of them below. If you are considering a divorce and do not know which option to choose, contact The Betz Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Do It Yourself

 If you choose this option, you will only deal with your spouse through the entire process. That means taking stock of assets, negotiating on how to split those assets, calculating child support, and much more. Though this method can work for couples with a high level of trust between them, it is almost always a bad idea. Not only can you make a mistake when working without lawyers, but one spouse might take advantage of the other.

Through the Internet

Getting an internet divorce is another variant of a “do it yourself” divorce, but in this case, you use online software to help you. What this usually entails is both parties answering a questionnaire and the software proposing a set of standard terms based on their responses. Once both people agree, they can print out the needed documents and sign them. Though this method is a bit smarter than doing it entirely by yourself, it is still risky.

Mediation

Mediation is a process in which there are no lawyers involved, but you employ a third party to assist you and your spouse. What this mediator does is educate you on divorce conventions, make a checklist of everything you need to resolve, help you settle disagreements, and draft certain documents once your terms are determined. The primary advantage of choosing this method is having a trained professional assist you through your divorce. Unfortunately, mediators have limited capabilities, and your specific case may be too complicated for them.

With Lawyers

When you choose to work with a divorce attorney, you get a divorce law expert in your corner. Unlike a mediator, your lawyer will work for you, rather than you and your spouse. They will discuss your goals with you, talk over your options, negotiate with your spouse, and carry out all of the legal requirements for a divorce. This method is the one that people choose in the vast majority of cases because it is safe and effective.

Collaborative

Sometimes, a lawyer isn’t enough. Instead, you must enlist a team of professionals to help you through your divorce. This is called a collaborative divorce. What that usually looks like is you, your spouse, both of your lawyers, and a trained mediator all trying to come to an agreement. If needed, you can involve other specialists such as an accountant or family counselor.

For a FREE consultation concerning your divorce, call The Betz Law Firm or fill out our online case evaluation form.


Aug 18, 2020 @ 3:46 pm

How Does Divorce Mediation Work?

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We have made a commitment to guide our clients through the divorce process with the least amount of emotional trauma as possible.

When most people say “I do,” they really mean it. But there are times when even the best intentions can’t make things turn out the way you want them to. If you find that you can’t keep your vows intact, and it is time to seek a divorce in Missouri, you may wonder if divorce mediation is the correct type of resolution for your divorce.

Divorce Attorney St Louis

Understanding Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is about you and your partner deciding what is best for you and your children. Lawyers are necessary when there is a dispute about child custody or if the marriage ends on a sour note and you feel the need to protect yourself. But for those who either don’t have children or a lot of combined property, mediation might be the best solution. Even for those who aren’t sure they can figure out a solution, a mediator can aid with better communication and help take the emotion out of a divorce and make the process easier.

How Does Mediation Work?

A mediator is a facilitator that helps married couples reach a settlement agreement that both parties can live with. They work through negotiation. Their primary goal is not just to make one party happy but rather to find a “happy medium” that both parties can feel satisfied with.

St. Louis, Missouri Divorce Lawyer

A couple generally does not come to the decision to divorce easily. Following through with it is even more trying as the complexities become overwhelming. Emotions run very high during these difficult times, especially when children are to consider. Our St. Louis divorce lawyers have committed to guiding our clients and their families through the divorce process with the least amount of emotional trauma and turmoil possible. This is done while holding the interests and future of the family as a top priority.

Our legal practice is focused exclusively on family law. It consists of a staff of experienced professionals who know all the legal issues that can arise during a divorce. Hundreds of clients have been assisted with the issues of child custody, visitation, support, alimony, division of joint assets, and much more.

Call The Betz Law Firm today at (314) 801-8488 or fill out our online contact form to request a free 30-minute phone consultation.

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

Our firm uses experience, good communication, and availability to help families get through life changing events.

Call (314) 801-8488

Contact Us Online
Mar 23, 2022 @ 4:02 pm

St. Louis Divorce Lawyer: Different Dispute Resolution Methods

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If you are considering divorce, did you know that there are different types of dispute resolution methods?

Divorce resolution

When considering divorce, you can choose from three different dispute resolution methods in order to achieve a settlement. In this article, we will explain the three different methods.

Collaborative

Collaborative divorce allows couples to resolve their disputes amicably and privately as compared to a public hearing. It is a solutions-based approach to divorce in which the control of the process remains with the couple and not with a judge.

Collaborative practice is based on three basic principles:

  • The spouses pledge in writing not to go to court
  • The spouses exchange information honestly
  • Each solution takes into account the needs of both spouses as well as their children

The goal is to achieve a mutually acceptable settlement between the spouses without any threat of legal proceedings. Each of the spouses retains an attorney who guides them through the legal process. If the process fails, the attorneys withdraw and the litigation attorneys take over and take the case to court.

The collaborative team consists of child specialists, valuation consultants, financial specialists, divorce coach, and vocational consultants.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

  • Spouses have complete control over the proceedings
  • Children experience less trauma
  • Proceedings are confidential
  • Solutions are mutually beneficial

Mediation

Mediation is another voluntary approach which allows spouses to make joint decisions on a settlement. A professional mediator facilitates all discussions, however, he/she does not give any advice or make decisions. However, the mediator can make a suggestion on how the various issues may be resolved.

During the mediation process, the spouses meet with the mediator, and identify issues and work towards an amicable solution. The spouses may choose to retain their attorney and other professionals as required. This is even more important in complex divorces.

Mediation is used to address different family issues including divorce, legal separation, spousal and child support, valuation and division of property.

Benefits of Mediation

Here are some of the benefits of choosing mediation as your dispute resolution method:

  • The couple can set their own pace
  • The process is confidential
  • The couple does not have to go to court
  • Mediation is often less expensive

Litigation

With regard to litigation, each party hires an attorney to represent him/her in court regarding issues they cannot resolve on their own. Typically, the issues include determining the division of liabilities, the valuation, and division of assets, custody of children, and child and spousal support. This approach is followed when the parties cannot reach an agreement amicably.

During the process, the attorney gathers information and documentation from their client, and then make a formal or informal request to the other attorney for information and documentation. Real estate, business, and pension evaluation are often necessary. Copies of bank statements, credit card statements, tax returns, and monthly bills are also provided so that each spouse can present their true financial picture.

During the trial, a hearing of all contested issues is held, and the attorney presents all documents necessary to support the client’s requests. Witnesses are also called. After both spouses have presented all documents and information, and witnesses have testified, the judge issues a verdict. If either of the parties is not satisfied with the decision, they can make an appeal in the appellate court.

Contact a St. Louis Divorce Attorney

Hundreds of questions come to mind as the stark reality of divorce settles in. As a firm, our goal is to help you find the answers to those questions and to begin the next phase of your life with as much ease as possible. We are dedicated to providing our clients and their families with kind, personalized, and professional legal representation throughout the entire divorce process.

Call The Betz Law Firm today at (314) 801-8488 or fill out our online contact form.

Aug 2, 2019 @ 3:45 pm