How to Resolve Family Law Issues without Going to Court
When couples or families are going through tough times, the last thing they want to do is head to court. Not only is the process expensive, but it can also be emotionally draining. That's why more and more people are choosing to resolve their family law issues out of court.
Family dispute resolution (FDR) is a process that helps couples and families resolve their differences without going to court. It can be used to resolve a wide range of issues, including child custody, property division, and spousal support. If you're curious about how family dispute resolution works, then this guide is for you.
Resolving Family Law Issues Out of Court
Family law disputes can be extremely emotional and stressful. The thought of going to court and airing out your family's dirty laundry can be overwhelming. Thankfully, there are alternatives to the traditional court process that can help resolve family law issues out of court. FDR can take many different forms but typically involves the use of a neutral third party, such as a mediator, to help the parties communicate and reach a resolution. Here are some of the ways you can resolve these issues without ending up in a long and arduous court battle.
Mediation
Mediation is a process where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps the parties communicate and try to reach an agreement. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties but rather helps them come to their own agreement. Mediation can be used for a wide variety of family law issues, including child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support.
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law is a process where the parties and their lawyers work together to try to reach an agreement. The parties agree not to go to court and to work together to resolve the issues. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, then they must hire new lawyers.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a process where the parties agree to submit their dispute to a neutral third party (the arbitrator), who will make a decision based on the evidence presented. This is quite different from mediation since arbitration relies on a neutral third party to determine an outcome for everyone involved. The decision of the arbitrator is binding and cannot be appealed.
Negotiation
Negotiation is a process where the parties attempt to reach an agreement without the help of a third party. The parties negotiate directly with each other and attempt to come up with a solution that is acceptable to both of them. Negotiation can be used in a variety of situations, such as in business, family law, and labour law.
Settlement Conferences
A settlement conference is a meeting between the parties and their attorneys, where they try to reach an agreement. A settlement conference can be held at any time but is typically held after the parties have exchanged all of the necessary information and have had a chance to review it. Settlement conferences can be used for a wide variety of family law issues, including child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support.
Conclusion
Family Dispute Resolution provides a way for families to resolve their family law issues outside of the court. This process is beneficial for both parties as it allows them to come to an agreement without the need for expensive and time-consuming court proceedings. If you have any questions related to Family Dispute Resolution, it is important to reach out to a Medicine Hat law firm and ask for an attorney who can help you make an informed decision about your situation.
For any family law-related issues, it's best to work with a trusted organization like Hamilton Cahoon Law. We are an association of independent practices serving Medicine Hat and the surrounding areas. Our experienced lawyers are here to provide you with the best legal advice and guidance possible. Reach out to us whenever you need help from a reliable family mediation lawyer in Medicine Hat, Alberta.