Parties facing the breakdown of their marriage have many options. Mediation is a timely and cost-effective tool in many divorce proceedings. The parties can litigate areas of disagreement before a Judge. This litigation frequently requires compliance with various rules, codes, statutes and case authorities which creates an expensive and time consuming endeavor. Litigation is conducted in the open public court room and the written claims and arguments are filed in publicly available court files. Many parties are increasingly seeking to resolve their disputes through confidential mediation.
Mediation Process
During the mediation process, the couple sits down with trained mediator Elizabeth Dodd in a confidential setting designed to allow the parties to discuss the issues at hand in a non-confrontational environment. The mediator is a neutral party and is there to facilitate the discussion between spouses. The mediation process is intended to assist couples in expediently and economically coming to a voluntary settlement instead of having a third party – a Judge – decide the terms of their divorce.
Mediator’s Role
A skilled and effective mediator is objective, independent and listens to the point of view of each party. The parties ultimately remain in control of their outcome. The mediator guides the discussion and assists in finding workable solutions for the parties to consider. As your mediator, Elizabeth Dodd works to create an environment that is conducive to effective honest communication and to convey each parties’ views in a way that they will be heard and considered. She works to create opportunities for the parties to look at various options for them to be able to make a final, well considered decision. The accessible and confidential nature of mediation also ensures parties avoid excessive costs, stress and adverse publicity generated in the public court system. The parties are able to get closure and, most importantly, certainty as to the outcome.
Parenting Coordinator Role
A skilled and personable person, who deals specifically with individual parents to enable a smooth transition to schedule changes, parenting issues, child needs, education and medical decisions. The parenting coordinator may assist individuals or a Judge in dealing with day to day issues that occur in the course of a child living separate households. As your parenting coordinator, Elizabeth Dodd works to facilitate communication between the parties and expeditiously find solutions as issues arise.
Description of Practice
Elizabeth Dodd has been successfully practicing and mediating divorce and family law issues in the Louisville area for many years. This extensive experience provides the legal and practical foundation to assist husbands and wives to arrive at agreements which enable them to chart the course of their future. Finding mutually acceptable resolution to support, property and custodial issues eases the emotional and financial burden of completing the divorce process.
Contact an Experienced Louisville Family Law Mediator
For additional information about mediation we invite you to contact us, call (502) 387-7271 or visit her mediation site at www.coordinatingcompromise.com.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is an environment where parties in dispute retain an independent third party (the mediator) to help clarify issues and guide the party to resolution or settlement whenever possible.
Is mediation a cost-effective alternative?
Yes, generally speaking mediation provides a more timely and cost-effective alternative to resolving areas of dispute, especially in a divorce or family law setting.
How can mediation keep my personal business private?
Mediation is a confidential environment and anything which is said cannot be brought into ensuing litigation. Mitigation helps to protect your privacy while keeping your private information, financial details and personal business out of the public record.
Can mediation decrease post-decree litigation?
Yes. Many studies have shown the parties who reach agreement in mediation are much more likely to abide by those agreements after the divorce. They have participated in the process and agreed to the outcome. Mediation can also provide tools which help the parties to more effectively co-parent in the coming months and years.