Lancaster County Divorce Mediator
Under Nebraska law, couples filing for divorce are expected to seek resolution of child custody issues and, in some cases, property settlement, prior to taking their case to costly litigation. If children are involved in the divorce, mediation is required to develop a Parenting Plan. Many times, couples are able to hammer out most issues ahead of time, arriving at a settlement agreement with the help of their respective attorneys. More complex issues are often best-resolved by the intervention of a professional, licensed mediator who will work with both parties and their lawyers independently. When all parties have agreed to terms, the mediator puts together a final agreement to be signed and presented to the court for final approval by a family law judge.
Try Mediation. You Do Not Have to Agree to the Final Mediated Settlement Agreement
If you and your spouse agree to try mediation, legal representation is not required, although either or both parties may be represented by their own attorneys in the mediation process. The mediator will meet with each party, either together or individually, to present offers and counter-offers. Throughout everything, you will be given clear explanations of the law and what the judge can and cannot accept as a fair and just resolution. When parties have agreed to terms, the mediator will draft an agreement covering child custody, marital property and spousal support, if any.
Neither party is bound to accept the terms of the mediation agreement, and can pursue a settlement in court. If both parties agree to the mediated settlement, it will be presented to the judge for final approval and judgment. If you decide you cannot agree to the mediator's settlement agreement, and you pursue a litigated judgment, any concessions or demands you made during the mediation sessions cannot be used as evidence or testimony in court.
In All Mediation Matters, the Judge Has the Binding Authority Over the Final Judgment
Attorney Laura A. Lowe is an experienced Nebraska family law lawyer and a certified mediator. If you are considering alternative dispute resolution, or are required to proceed through mediation for child custody and parenting plan matters, she will meet with you to explain the process and gather background information in an initial half-hour screening session. She will apply more than 17 years of experience to determine whether your case is suitable for mediation. Throughout the mediation session or sessions, she applies an even-handed, objective approach to reaching a settlement that she knows the judge in your court jurisdiction will find acceptable.
All Major Credit Cards · Spanish and Other Language Interpreters Available
From her office in Lincoln, Laura A. Lowe provides certified mediation services for clients throughout eastern and central Nebraska. From wherever you are in Nebraska, call toll free at 877-603-7319 or contact the law firm by e-mail for an experienced Lincoln divorce mediation lawyer. There is no initial consultation fee if you retain Ms. Lowe for mediation services.
