Settle Michigan Divorce Disputes Through Mediation

Last updated on November 20, 2023

Not every divorce is contentious. If spouses want to split without the time, stress and expenses of litigation, they may find value in divorce mediation.

Attorney Mike Toburen at Toburen Law PLC serves as a mediator for family law cases in Kent County, Ottawa County and across Western Michigan. He is compassionate and has comprehensive knowledge of state divorce laws, allowing him to serve his clients with care and professionalism.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that offers parties a different and less tense way of settling their disagreements. In divorce mediation, spouses work through their disputes with help from a certified neutral third party. While the third party does not have to be a family law attorney, having a divorce lawyer mediate divorce proceedings can help spouses know whether if their resolutions comply with Michigan state law.

Is Mediation Right For You?

Here are a few things to consider if mediation is the right solution for you:

• Spouses can have more control over the outcome: In traditional divorce litigation, judges can decide the outcome of property division, parental visitation and spousal/child support. With mediation, however, both parties can have more control over the outcome because they’re the ones in charge.
• Spouses can walk away feeling less resentful: While divorce mediation won’t make them best friends, it can help ease some of the tension that can come with ending a marriage.
• It can take less time: Divorce mediation can typically only take 1 to 3 months. In some cases, spouses may resolve their issues in only a few sessions.
• It can cost less: Unlike litigation, which can include attorneys fees, court costs and trial prep costs, divorce mediation usually comes with a single flat fee.
• It’s confidential: While divorce litigation is public record, mediation can give both parties a sense of privacy as they untangle their marriage.

Final mediation agreements are binding. That means neither party can back out of the agreement at a later date.

Like with anything, mediation may have some drawbacks that is why it is best to speak with an attorney about your specific situation to learn what is the best option for you.

• Agreements can be difficult to enforce: Determining whether one party violated the agreement can be challenging because mediation agreements aren’t always as specific as a court ruling.
• Mediators only have so much authority: If mediation discussions become tense or convoluted, mediators can only do so much to keep conversations and negotiations on track.
• Power imbalances can complicate things: If couples have substantial power imbalances and one uses their authority and persuasion to keep things in their favor, parties can have difficulty reaching a fair agreement.

Mike understands that everyone’s situation is different and offers customized legal solutions. If spouses try mediation only to find it’s not a good fit, Mike can quickly transition from a mediator to a litigator. He can also refer couples to someone who can help them with their specific circumstances.

Want To Learn More About Mediation? Call Now.

Mediation can be an effective alternative to traditional divorce litigation. If couples need help with how to proceed, Mike will address their questions or concerns.

Contact Mike from his Grand Rapids office today by calling 616-818-1842 or completing his online contact form.