If you and your spouse are willing to work together on your divorce, mediation can help you resolve disagreements without going to court. This alternative resolution process allows you and your divorce attorney to work with a mediator to find common ground on issues like property division and child custody. If you're filing for divorce in Kentucky, below are a few things you should know about the mediation process.

What Is Mediation?

Unlike court proceedings, mediation is not an adversarial process. Instead, it’s a collaborative approach to problem-solving that's guided by a moderator. This professional is there to facilitate negotiations and guide both parties toward solutions all parties can accept. While they can make recommendations, mediators don’t have the power to make decisions for you.

How Are Mediators Selected?

While mediators are often lawyers or retired judges, Kentucky courts allow anyone to undergo the necessary training to take on this task. This includes 40 hours of training and at least 15 hours of hands-on experience. A divorce attorney can select from a roster of local court-approved mediators, or they can hire a professional that both sides respect.

What Happens After Mediation?

If you and your spouse can work out a compromise, the mediator will provide the final settlement agreement in writing. Both parties' divorce attorneys will submit this document to a judge, who will review the terms to ensure everyone's rights are respected. In most cases, the court will accept them and include the provisions in your divorce decree.

Sometimes, common ground is impossible to find, even with the help of a mediator. If this process doesn’t deliver positive results, your lawyer can still take the case to court, where a judge will settle any outstanding issues.

If your marriage is coming to an end, count on the divorce attorneys at Law Office of Michael Davidson, PLLC, to provide the support you need during this difficult time. They have been representing clients across the state of Kentucky for over 30 years, earning a reputation for delivering compassionate service and the best results possible. Their team also practices interstate divorce and custody jurisdiction, as well as domestic violence law. Visit them online for more information on their broad range of family law services, or call (859) 225-1717 to contact their office in Lexington about a consultation.