Pennsylvania Divorce Mediation

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Divorce is one of the saddest and a very emotional experience for the people who face it. Apart from the stressful aspect of this process, fulfillment of a series of legal formalities with a definite amount of financial help is another major consideration. The total expenses of divorce can be cut short in case all the marital problems are sorted by the divorcing parties themselves. Otherwise, the attorneys mainly helps to this section and help their clients to come up with reasonable solutions. In order to avoid the higher expenses of hiring a lawyer, mediation is another valid option implemented in such cases. This particular session can either be opted independently or can be followed as per the court orders. Similarly, the divorce mediation in Pennsylvania is an alternative informal process to resolve all marital disputes and conflicts between the divorcing spouses in this state. Like every other legal action in divorce, the mediation process is also performed as per the rules and regulations defined by the state laws and rights.

Assets and Debts dealt During Divorce Mediation in Pennsylvania

Generally, the divorce mediation process entails settlement of all common issues that are faced during most of the cases. The debt and asset distribution, child custody, alimony support etc, are some of the major issues tackled through this program.

Debts:

• Children education
• Liens
• Tax Liabilities
• Loans
• Credit Cards
• Car payments
• Mortgages

Assets:

• Vehicles
• Profit sharing plans
• Business interests
• Investments
• Household items
• Timeshares
• Retirement funds
• Bank accounts
• Real estate

Pennsylvania Divorce Mediation of Child Custody

The types of custody topics discussed during the mediation are listed below:

Legal Custody:

• Religion
• Education
• Health care
• Decision making

Physical Custody:

• Relocation
• Transportation
• Birthdays
• Vacations
• Holidays
• Visitation schedules

Communication:

• The mode in which information regarding the children is shared
• The mode in which parents talk with each other

Education:

• Religious studies
• Post-high school studies
• Public school / private school

Childcare:

• Babysitters
• After-school care
• Daycare

Types of Mediation

There are two basic types of mediation process followed in this state distinguished according to the circumstances that exist between the divorcing parties. These are:

Facilitative Mediation:

This is a structured process in which the participants are guided by the mediator with an intention of reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. The mediator controls the process while the parties control the outcome. The mediator performs the following tasks:

• Asks questions
• Offers view on or validates various points of view
• Depending on the positions taken by the various participants, searches for common interests

Transformative Mediation:

This is a process in which people who have disputes are assisted in order to alter the method in which they interact with each other. The intention is to alter the mode of interaction from destructive and negative to constructive and positive. The participants have the chance to procure clear and new information and ponder over various options while making decisions.

Every participant of this type of mediation gets a chance to express his or her and the children requirements. A meaningful dialogue results after which the parties start to understand the desires and requirements of the other party. As this understanding progresses, so do the decisions that fulfill the needs of all participants.

Mediation orientation

If one or both of the parties are not sure whether they want to opt for mediation, then they can request a "mediation orientation" session with a mediator. Usually, the mediator charges a reduced fee for this session. This is a good opportunity for those who wish to have a meeting with the mediator before the actual session, who desire to interrogate the mediator regarding any aspect of the process and who want more knowledge regarding the process. After this mediation orientation is over, the parties can finalize whether to opt for mediation or not. If yes, they can begin their first mediation session immediately or plan the time of the next session.

Child Support Mediation

The following topics are contemplated during the process:

• Education in private school, post high school studies, religious studies
• Educational financial responsibility
• Visitation - immediate and extended family
• Smoking / alcohol / drugs
• Discussion of issues or events
• Friends
• Discipline and Household rules
• Daily life routine

The mediation in Pennsylvania is typically performed by professionals called mediators. At the same time, the most suitable mediation session is ordered to a particular divorce case as per the need of the situation between both the divorcing parties.

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