Family mediation is where an independent, professionally trained mediator helps you and your ex to work out an agreement about a range of issues, such as establishing arrangements for children after you break up (sometimes called custody, residence or contact), creating fair alimony (aka spousal support) payments, and developing equitable child support payments, if necessary.
Family Mediation in Northwest Washington
Like most counties in Washington state, Snohomish County requires couples who are legally separating to go through the mediation process before heading to court for a divorce. Mediation allows the individuals to retain control over their decisions, so many couples who successfully complete the mediation process report feeling more empowered than those who left these weighty decisions in the hands of the court. Instead of allowing a divorce court judge to determine your future, you are given the power to negotiate the outcome. As a result, you can feel less anxious about your future, as you remain in control of these major decisions.
Family Mediation Process & Options
When you work with Linda Passey Law Offices during the mediation process, you will find yourself in experienced and knowledgeable hands. Linda Passey will serve as a neutral party who will help you and your ex reach an agreement regarding the terms of your divorce. Ultimately, you and your ex will need to come to a consensus and agree on the terms by the end of the mediation process. Linda specializes in “Shuttle Mediation”—where the two parties are in two separate rooms, and Linda goes back and forth between them until an outcome is reached. This method usually resolves any disputes before it becomes necessary to go to trial.
Negotiating a Successful Outcome
Since mediation reduces the likelihood of having to finalize your divorce in a courtroom, you can expect to save a considerable amount of money, time, and stress. As Linda Passey helps you and your ex negotiate the terms of your divorce, you can trust that your voice will be heard every step of the way. By collaborating and compromising with your ex, you can walk away from your marriage feeling confident in your decisions. When an outcome is reached, a CR2A (Civil Rule) agreement document, which is a binding contract, will be put in place that finalizes the terms of your divorce. From there, you will be able to move forward and onto the next chapter of your life.
Helping You Build a Brighter Future
Many times mediation is the best path to finding an acceptable divorce agreement while avoiding much of the expense and trauma that can often accompany litigation. Working together to resolve the challenge of dissolution can also help to build skills to resolve future conflicts. At Linda Passey Law Offices, we are here to help you build a solid future without sacrificing your needs or interests.
