Divorce Mediation Lawyers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake
Helping couples reach mutually agreeable solutions on financial and parenting issues
Contested divorces often involve disagreements over such issues as property division, alimony and child custody and visitation. These conflicts can be worsened by the adversarial nature of litigation. Mediation offers a constructive alternative that reduces time, costs and stress. At Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law, our divorce mediation lawyers in Virginia Beach help our clients resolve conflicts amicably, crafting workable settlements while protecting parental and property rights.
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process whereby a neutral third party assists spouses in negotiating a mutual agreement on critical issues. Virginia law encourages mediation for its efficiency and privacy. Mediators are either attorneys or trained professionals. They guide discussions but do not provide legal advice or make decisions. Mediation sessions, lasting one-to-two hours, address such issues as dividing assets and creating parenting plans. Once the parties reach agreement, the mediator drafts a proposed settlement for court approval, which makes it legally binding.
Benefits of mediation over litigation
Mediation offers significant advantages over traditional litigation, such as the following:
- It is cost-effective, providing results at a fraction of the price for contested divorces.
- It preserves relationships, crucial for co-parenting, by fostering communication and compromise.
- Sessions are flexible, often concluding in weeks rather than months or years in court.
- The process is private and confidential and enables the parties to control outcomes rather than letting a judge decide.
- It mitigates emotional turmoil and promotes healthy post-divorce dynamics.
Our Virginia Beach uncontested divorce lawyers will suggest mediation whenever practicable.
Issues commonly resolved by our Virginia mediation attorneys
Our Virginia mediation attorneys help clients prepare for their sessions so they are ready to resolve various issues efficiently. These include:
- Equitable distribution of marital property
- Spousal support calculations
- Child custody arrangements
- Child support guidelines
For military families in Virginia Beach, mediation can address the division of pensions. Our attorneys ensure agreements are fair and workable.
How divorce mediation works
In Virginia, mediation can be court-ordered or voluntary. The process begins when the parties select a mediator, who is often an attorney familiar with Virginia family law. Each spouse should consult independent counsel for advice. Initial sessions outline goals and gather financial information. The mediator will meet separately with each spouse to ascertain their priorities and places where compromise is possible. This may go back and forth a few times. Once a consensus is reached, the mediator drafts a memorandum of understanding that the spouses and their attorneys review. When it is finalized, it goes before the court and is incorporated into the divorce decree.
Who is a good candidate for divorce mediation?
Mediation suits couples who are willing to communicate and compromise. Good candidates include those with amicable separations, shared goals for children or a desire to stay out of court. Mediation is ideal for professionals who want to keep their divorce private. However, mediation is unsuitable for cases involving domestic violence, power imbalances or unwillingness to fully disclose finances.
Contact an experienced Virginia Beach family law attorney for mediation
Harding, Harding & Harding Attorneys at Law provides divorce services including mediation to clients in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or Norfolk. To schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation, call 757-499-2600 of contact us online.
