Bloomfield Hills Divorce Mediation Lawyer

Undergoing a divorce in Michigan can be one of the most difficult experiences of your life, no matter the circumstances. If you are facing divorce in Bloomfield Hills, you might be looking for alternative dispute resolutions instead of having to go to court. Whether you own a home along Manorwood Drive or live out by Vhay Lake, a trusted Bloomfield Hills divorce mediation lawyer can determine if alternative methods are right for you and your family.

Seek Compassionate Legal Support From Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C.

For the last several decades, Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C., has been representing Bloomfield Hills families through the difficulties of divorce. We are well-versed at handling these cases through the Oakland County Circuit Court, along with the court’s family law division in Pontiac. From Clawson to Madison Heights, we can determine if an alternative dispute resolution method is right for you.

While we can take your case all the way to a courtroom and have a track record of success with Michigan-litigated divorces, for some couples, alternative methods like mediation are more cost-efficient and time-effective.

Mediation can be used to solve a wide range of divorce issues, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Property division
• Spousal support
• Parenting time

If you think mediation might be right for you, contact our offices to learn more.

Benefits of Divorce Mediation in Michigan

Michigan sees an overall divorce rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents. While this is a much lower number than in other states in the U.S., divorce still happens every day. For some of these divorcing couples, mediation is a great option. As opposed to more traditional litigation, mediation offers a wide range of benefits for couples looking to end their marriage in a respectful and amicable way. Benefits of mediation can include:

• Efficiency. In Michigan, mediation often helps couples resolve issues like property division and child custody much more quickly than litigation. Court trials often call for more preparation and can involve a higher amount of delays, making the entire process much longer.
• Cost-effectiveness. While mediation still involves certain professional fees, such as costs related to hiring a lawyer and having an official mediator involved, it will typically cost much less than traditional courtroom litigation. Mediation can help you save a large portion of money that would otherwise be spent on a court battle.
• Confidentiality. Unlike a court process, mediation allows for all discussions to remain private. All statements made regarding mediation cannot be used in a courtroom should the mediation fail, according to Michigan divorce mediation laws.
• Compliance. In mediation, the agreements reached between the couple typically lead to better compliance than orders handed down following a court battle.
• Preservation of the relationship. Because of the collaborative nature of mediation, relationships can be preserved. The process also allows for flexible arrangements, particularly with child custody issues.
• Tailored solutions. Mediation also enables divorcing couples to arrive at personally tailored and customized solutions, which might not be possible or even considered in a courtroom.

How to Prepare for Successful Mediation

The key to successful divorce mediation in Bloomfield Hills is preparation. Before any kind of official mediation proceedings begin, it is wise to take the following steps to thoroughly prepare:

• Identify all your assets, debts, and other potential liabilities.
• Document all your sources of income.
• Gather all parenting information.
• Make sure all your assets have been properly valued.
• Make sure you understand all the tax implications of divorce.

At Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C., we can review your situation and prepare you for mediation, no matter what your case entails.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Michigan?

A: The costs of divorce mediation can vary, depending on a range of factors, but it tends to be less expensive than lengthy court trials. Factors that can influence the cost of divorce mediation cases in

• Number of mediation sessions necessary to reach a resolution
• Experience of the mediator
• Complexity of your divorce case

Q: What Are the Benefits of Mediation in Bloomfield Hills?

A: In Bloomfield Hills, mediation can provide several benefits, depending on the details of your case. These include the following:

• Mediation can result in a faster resolution.
• Discussions can remain private, as opposed to intimate details being argued over in court.
• The collaborative process can lead to an amicable relationship between the former spouses after the divorce.
• Mediation offers more flexibility in scheduling and resolution options.

Q: Are There Any Downsides to Divorce Mediation?

A: There can be several drawbacks to divorce mediation, depending on certain aspects of your case. Mediation might not be the right option for couples with a history of domestic violence. In cases where one spouse is more aggressive, they could dominate the mediation at your expense. Nearly one in four women will experience some kind of domestic violence in Michigan, so mediation may not be right for their divorce.

Q: How Can a Lawyer Help With Mediation?

A: In Michigan divorce mediation, your attorney can work to protect you in several different ways. First, they can explain your legal rights before you make any decisions. They can also:

• Identify any issues you have not yet considered.
• Provide you with realistic outcomes should mediation fail.
• Help you navigate any emotional moments to stay focused on your end goal.

Q: What Mistakes Should I Avoid During Mediation?

A: During divorce mediation in Michigan, several mistakes should be avoided. First, entering mediation without the proper representation and preparation can lead to the mediation failing. Letting your emotions get the better of you should also be avoided, along with being too passive or aggressive and trying to rush the process.

Hire a Divorce Mediation Lawyer Serving Families in Bloomfield Hills

If you are seeking divorce mediation in Michigan, it is important that you reach out to a divorce mediation lawyer. A contested divorce can be stressful, but entering mediation with a skilled and compassionate Bloomfield Hills divorce mediation attorney can be crucial for protecting your rights and interests.

Whether you live in Washtenaw County to Pleasant Ridge, Ferndale, or another neighboring community, the experienced attorneys at Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C., can provide essential counsel and support. Contact our offices for a consultation today.