Divorce AgreementWhen modern couples enter into a marriage, few picture themselves dealing with separation or divorce in the future; however, statistics show that a significant percentage of families end up with the spouses seeking a dissolution of their relationship. This process is painful for both parties and may strongly impact any children of the relationship. When it comes to a divorce settlement agreement, the most inexpensive option is to settle out of court.

Using mediation to facilitate a Divorce Settlement Agreement can help you solve issues quickly with minimum expense. Call (416) 818-4111 to learn if mediation is a good option for you.

 

Understanding Standard Litigation

For couples seeking a low-cost divorce, resolving their issues through the court system is most likely the worse option. When families allow the courts to determine their futures, they are subject to decisions that they might not otherwise choose. The process is naturally confrontational, with each lawyer trying to secure the greatest advantage and the Judge ultimately deciding the winner and the loser. In addition, court proceedings are expensive; the average Toronto divorce costs between $15,000 and $30,000. Furthermore, if your issues are resolved through the courts, both parties lose control over the outcome of the divorce. We work to help couples avoid the downsides of the litigation process.

What is Collaborative Law?

When it is impossible to salvage a marriage, and there is no reasonable chance of reconciliation, most people wish to resolve matters as quickly and as cheaply as possible. Most people want to avoid the costs associated with a long, drawn-out divorce battle. Collaborative law provides the framework needed to facilitate this process. With a collaborative divorce settlement agreement, a team of professionals assists the family in determining their own destiny. This team may include lawyers, mediators and parenting coordinators. The parties agree that they will resolve their differences amicably, without going to court. If they are unable to arrive at the terms of a separation agreement, the parties’ lawyers must resign. Everyone has a vested interest in resolving all issues arising from the parties’ separation. Our mediators assist in facilitating a Divorce Settlement Agreement.

At Ontario Family Resolutions, our mediators seek to reduce conflict, facilitate compromise and protect the interests of children. We provide our services to both clients and collaborative lawyers at less cost than is incurred in the standard litigation process.

The Role of the Mediator

Our mediators are practicing family/divorce lawyers or social workers with experience in family law. We are very familiar dealing with high conflict situations. In divorces that are amicable, a couple may choose to work mainly with a mediator, only bringing in their personal lawyers when an agreement is reached in order to obtain independent legal advice to confirm their rights and obligations.

In a collaborative law mediation, the parties, and their respective counsel, use the assistance of a mediator to resolve their disputes. Collaborative lawyers represent the interests of each spouse, while the mediator works to create compromise and agreement. Unlike the ruling of a Judge, this process is completely cooperative and voluntary.

We know that long, drawn out court battles are expensive. Our clients in Toronto, Canada find that a collaborative divorce settlement agreement is the best option for solving issues quickly and with minimum expense. Contact us today to find out how our experienced family mediators can help in solving your family disputes without increased conflict and expensive litigation.