Haefner Law Office is thrilled to present a new approach for our clients to resolve their issues and find peace.
St. Louis divorce attorney Mark Haefner has become one of the few family law attorneys in the area to complete mandatory family law mediation training. He can now offer this option to those seeking to end their relationship without the cost and stress of a traditional divorce.
Below is a basic outline addressing many questions people have about divorce mediation.
A Mediated Divorce occurs when two parties seek to simplify the divorce process but have unresolved issues, including child custody, child support, maintenance, and property division.
At Haefner Law Office, the cost for a full mediation is a flat rate of $2,500, and includes the following:
Summation Outline:
Total Value: $4,625
Imagine you’re in a disagreement with someone—a friend, a colleague, or even a family member. You’re both invested in the outcome, but emotions are running high. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to make the conversation more productive and less confrontational? This is precisely where a mediator steps in.
A mediator serves as a neutral party, guiding you through the process of dialogue and resolution. They bring clarity, understanding, and fresh perspectives to the table. Think of a mediator as a facilitator who not only listens intently but also helps uncover the underlying issues that might be overshadowing the main disagreement.
By focusing on common interests rather than conflicting positions, a mediator helps de-escalate tension. You gain a clearer view of the situation when emotions are set aside, enabling both parties to move forward constructively. Mediators equip you with the tools needed to reach a resolution that feels fair and satisfactory to all involved.
Mediated divorces are handled out of court, involving a judge only to approve agreed-upon terms. Contested divorces involve courtrooms, judges, and disputes. Mediation can save time money, and stress over traditional contested divorces.
Mediation is non-binding, and therefore someone could change their mind about what was agreed upon. However, should mediation be unsuccessful, or if a party agrees then changes their mind, there will be an extensive outline of what was agreed on, who changed their mind, and other information that each may take to their attorneys. If requested, parties are referred to competent attorneys for issue resolution, possibly avoiding a costly trial in a contested matter.
Mediation is not recommended in cases of domestic violence, unwillingness to attempt resolution, or if there is a belief that the other party is hiding assets. It’s also not suitable if one party refuses concessions or seeks a decision rather than a mutual agreement.
Parties wanting to save money, maintain a cordial relationship, and prefer a quick, amicable resolution. Mediation is suitable for those with children, honest communication about assets, and a desire for confidentiality.
Creating a divorce mediation agreement involves several steps to ensure that both parties reach a fair and mutually acceptable resolution. The process begins with an initial consultation where we meet with both parties. During this meeting, our St. Louis divorce lawyers will explain the mediation process, sets expectations, and answers any questions.
You are typically required to provide necessary financial documents and any other relevant information. This transparency is crucial for informed decision-making and helps us understand the key issues at hand.
Our mediator with then conduct a series of mediation sessions where both of you can discuss your concerns and goals. During these sessions, our mediator assists you in negotiating terms related to child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Our goal is to ensure that discussions remain productive and focused on resolving disputes.
Once an understanding is reached on all key issues, we will create a draft of a mediation agreement. This document outlines the agreed-upon terms and serves as a blueprint for the final divorce settlement.
Both you and your spouse will have time to review the draft agreement (with your individual attorneys if necessary). Any necessary revisions are made at this stage.
After the agreement is approved, it is finalized and signed. We then submit the agreement to the court for approval, making it a legally binding document.
Through this structured process, a divorce mediation agreement helps parties achieve a resolution that reflects their mutual understanding and respects their individual needs.
Once mediation has been completed, an overview of what was and was not agreed upon will be drafted for each party to take to their attorney, or if requested, referred to an attorney who can draft the uncontested documents. The mediation report will cover all necessary information and agreements so that documents can be quickly and clearly drafted so that the process is quick and painless for the parties should an agreement is reached.
If you have additional questions regarding a mediated divorce or questions relating to a divorce of any type, please contact 314-200-6101 and speak to one of our attorneys to discuss your options.
Divorce mediators play a crucial role in resolving family law matters, including child support and child custody. Their expertise in conflict resolution and the mediation process allows them to assist families in reaching amicable agreements without the need for a court battle.
In mediation, our divorce mediator helps both parties understand the financial needs of the children and the obligations of each parent. We will help guide discussions to ensure that child support agreements are fair and reflect the best interests of the children. Our experience as child support attorneys and ability to focus on opening communication and mutual understanding, our help parents arrive at a sustainable financial arrangement that supports the children’s wellbeing.
Child custody is often one of the most contentious issues in a divorce. Our divorce mediators have extensive experience as child custody lawyers and work to help parents explore different parenting plans and custody arrangements, ensuring that the children’s needs are prioritized. By providing a safe space for dialogue, our mediators help parents focus on creating a cooperative parenting relationship. This approach reduces the emotional toll on children and promotes a more stable environment post-divorce.
Our divorce mediators facilitate discussions that lead to informed choices, helping families resolve issues related to child support and custody in a constructive manner. Our goal is to help both parties create successful resolutions that are in the best interests of the children and both parties involved.
Finding the best divorce mediator near you involves several key steps to ensure a successful mediation process. Start by asking friends, family, or your attorney for recommendations. Personal referrals can provide insights into the mediator’s style and effectiveness. Additionally, online reviews and ratings can be helpful in assessing the reputation of potential mediators.
Schedule consultations with a few mediators to discuss their approach to the mediation process. Ask about their experience, fees, and how they handle high-conflict situations. This will help you gauge their ability to create a safe environment for open communication. Meeting with potential divorce mediators near me is the best way to get a feel for who they are and if they would be a good fit for your mediation.
t’s important to feel comfortable with your mediator. They should be neutral, respectful, and capable of managing emotions during mediation sessions. Choose someone who makes you feel at ease and is committed to helping both parties reach a fair agreement.
The divorce and family law attorneys at Haefner Law Office are here to help answer divorce mediation questions you may have or to act as the mediated divorce attorney for you and your spouse. We offer affordable mediated divorce services to the people of St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas.
If you have any questions, please feel free to give the St. Louis divorce lawyers at Haefner a call at any time.
