Settle Your Case Before Filing a Complaint
Consider mediation or a similar settlement process to resolve custody, parenting time and financial issues before filing for divorce. This allows you and the other party to come up with a plan that works best for you and your family with the help of a neutral, third person. If you reach an agreement the process is quicker, cheaper, private and often less upsetting.
Settle Your Case After Filing a Complaint
Custody and Parenting Time Mediation. The court may require you to meet with a mediator to help you to resolve issues related to your children.
Early Settlement Panel (ESP). If you are not able to resolve economic issues your case will be scheduled for review by an Early Settlement Panel. The panel is made up of experienced divorce lawyers who will recommend a fair settlement of your case. Each county has an ESP coordinator. Contact your county’s coordinator for more information.
Economic Mediation. If you do not resolve the economic issues at ESP, the court may require you to meet with a mediator to help you to resolve them. The court has a list of approved economic mediators or you can choose someone who is not on the list. The court will not require mediation if there is a restraining order between the parties. However, under certain circumstances, the victim can agree to go to economic mediation even if there is a restraining order.
Arbitration. This is different from mediation because the arbitrator decides the outcome and the parties must agree in advance to accept the arbitrator’s decision. The parties choose the arbitrator, pay the fee, and agree in advance which issues the arbitrator will address.
If you are seeking professional legal support, please feel free to contact Song Law Firm at mail@songlawfirm.com, by phone at 201-461-0031, or via WeChat at songlawfirm.
