Mediation is a type of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) that has been used by individuals to resolve their differences on a variety of matters over the past few decades. It’s an approach that has been used to resolve contract disputes between companies and consumers, neighborly disputes and most recently as a method for settling divorce cases and other family law matters.
Mediators aren’t all attorneys, but instead, they come from many walks of life. Individuals wishing to do mediation must have a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in working with families. These individuals need only to complete 40-hour Divorce Mediation training and 12-hour General Mediation training that is authorized by the Supreme Court of Ohio to be allowed to practice in this profession.
Some local courts do require mediators to complete additional mentoring and observation requirements with more experienced professionals before they’re allowed to practice their profession in that jurisdiction. These different counties may require mediators to take continuing education classes as well.
Mediators can help divorcing couples reach agreements about property matters, alimony, child visitation and custody in quicker and more agreeable ways for all parties involved. Mediators serve as referees making sure that neither party resorts to name-calling or negativity, and instead, keeps the discussion focused on reaching a desirable conclusion for both parties involved.
There are many positives associated with having a mediator who is also a lawyer to handle your mediation versus a professional that doesn’t have a law degree. Aon attorney often has a better idea of how the legal system works and can advise you as to the implications of making certain decisions versus others in your Hamilton dissolution case.
