Colorado Springs Mediation Attorneys

Divorce and child custody issues have the potential to be traumatic for all parties involved. Unfortunately, the message most people have heard about divorce is that it is a time to dig in and fight the other party. When you approach your divorce from this perspective, you are handing control of your life and future to outside parties: lawyers and judges.

You can make it your goal to be part of a growing number of divorcing or separating partners who approach divorce as a transition, not a war. Divorce mediation attorneys can help each of you identify the most important issues, look for areas of agreement, and work to come to an outcome that everyone can live with. At Knies, Helland & McPherson Law, our attorneys are experts in mediation and have helped hundreds of couples navigate their divorce through alternative legal action.

If there are children involved, there is even more incentive for couples to approach divorce as a peaceful transition to a new type of family, rather than a fight to the death. As parents, your children are the most important thing in your lives. Give your children the gift of an amicable transition from each other and a positive co-parenting relationship going forward.

Knies, Helland & McPherson Law offers mediation as one of our many services to help families through this difficult time. We go above and beyond to create customized solutions that fit the needs of each family, and mediation can often be the most conflict-free, respectful way to handle the difficult transition that is divorce.

What Is Family Law Mediation?

Family law mediation involves the use of a neutral third party to settle divorce related issues. The mediator makes suggestions to either party and provides information that will allow negotiations to proceed. A mediator is very similar to an arbitrator; however, suggestions and solutions offered by a mediator are not legally binding.

Typically, one mediator works with both sides to attempt a positive resolution, but there are mediation models that involve more than one mediator as well. Our attorneys may recommend that each person has their own mediator or that a single mediator review the case. The choice will be based on the actual case and not as a rule.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

Knies, Helland & McPherson Law believes that there are many benefits to using a mediator for hard-to-settle family law cases.

Some of these benefits include:

• A neutral party to listen to both sides of the issue. Some people feel more trust when a suggestion is made from a mediator rather than an attorney. When they feel trust in the situation both parties are more willing to negotiate.
• Suggestions are non-binding. A mediator can make many suggestions to each party that they may or may not use to settle their case. These suggestions are not binding by law, however, and can be easily changed or used as part of a negotiation strategy.
• Both parties feel as if they are being listened to during the negotiations. Everyone needs to feel as if their opinions and needs are being heard and met as part of the process.
• Using mediation may help speed the finalization of the divorce and will help reduce the overall legal costs.

There are more benefits that area associated with using a family law mediator that may only apply to a specific case or person.

Should I File for Divorce Before Mediation?

Couples usually choose mediation after either party has filed for divorce. It is at that time that the couple realizes that they cannot agree to some or all the terms of the divorce and require a neutral third party to help settle the process. However, it is not the only time a mediator can be used.

Couples who want to be prepared before they approach their attorneys for a divorce, or those trying to manage a DIY divorce may also seek the services of a mediator. The mediator can make recommendations for all different areas of the divorce.

Understanding the Mediation Process

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps parties in conflict to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Our Colorado Springs mediation attorneys are experienced in guiding clients through the mediation process, whether it's for divorce, family law matters, or other legal disputes.

During mediation, the parties have the opportunity to discuss their concerns, needs, and interests in a safe and respectful environment. The mediator facilitates communication and assists in exploring options for resolution. This collaborative approach allows for creative solutions that may not be available in a traditional litigation setting.

Benefits of mediation include:

• Cost-effective alternative to litigation
• Empowerment and control over the outcome
• Preservation of relationships, especially important in family law matters
• Confidentiality and privacy
• Quicker resolution compared to court proceedings

Whether you are considering mediation for divorce, child custody, or other legal issues, our team is dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need throughout the process.

How Long Does Mediation Take?

Mediation times will vary from case to case. The time it takes to complete the mediation will be based on:

• How many areas of the divorce must be negotiated.
• How willing the parties are to work with the mediator to come to a solution to the problems.
• How prepared the parties are at each meeting.
• When you bring in a mediator or mediators into the divorce negotiation process, our attorneys encourage both parties to:
• Attend all meetings in a timely matter. Rescheduling meetings can cause significant delays and cause the costs to rise.
• Bring all information requested to the meetings. Being prepared allows the process to move faster.
• Try to stay unemotional. Emotions often cause delays in the negotiation process. Keep an open mind and remember you may need to give to receive.
• You are always encouraged to consult with an attorney before agreeing to any terms of the mediation.

Knies, Helland & McPherson Law encourages anyone who is seeking a divorce to consider using a mediator. A mediator may be able to move the divorce process forward without causing significant delays or costs to either party.

Flat Fee Mediation in Colorado Springs

One of the unique options available at Knies, Helland & McPherson Law is a Flat Fee Mediation. This package allows you to control the cost of your divorce, while still giving you as much time and support as you need to navigate the process and come to a mutually-acceptable settlement on issues such as division of assets and debts and parenting time.

Do I Need an Attorney?

The attorneys at Knies, Helland & McPherson Law believe that everyone seeking a divorce should have professional legal representation. We understand that divorces are often driven by emotions and that this can quickly lead to poor decisions. We believe that our clients should always protect their rights by partnering with a law firm dedicated to this area of law.

Knies, Helland & McPherson Law has dedicated our legal practice to representing clients who are divorcing. While we do offer additional legal services, our focus is on divorce and parenting disputes and helping those who are seeking to dissolve their marriage. Why do we focus most of our attention on one area of law? We focus our attention this way so that we can master that area of law and provide better representation for our clients.

Please contact us online or call (719) 626-8530 to schedule a legal consultation.