Family Law Mediation
by: Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA)
What is mediation?
Mediation is a way to solve your problems. Getting a
divorce or dealing with family issues can be hard. Mediation can help
solve your disagreement.
What happens in mediation?
You and the other person will meet with the mediator. You
will talk about your disagreement. The meetings will last about 90
minutes. Most people meet one to three times.
The mediator will help write an agreement. Mediators can
help people write a parenting plan or another agreement.
After the meetings each person can have an attorney look
at their agreement. Then it can be given to a judge for approval.
If you and the other person cannot solve any problems,
then mediation will stop. Then either person can file papers in court to
have the judge make the decisions.
What does a mediator do?
A person called a mediator runs the meeting. Mediators
help people figure out their problems. Mediators will help to build
better agreements, parenting plans and relationships.
The mediator keeps the meeting private. A mediator does
not take sides. Mediators are fair. Mediators help create agreements
that you can live with.
A mediator does NOT…
Testify in court.
Make decisions for you.
Blame anyone.
Pick a side.
Give legal advice.
Is mediation right for me?
Mediation might be right for you if you can say yes to
more than two questions below.)
1. Are both people willing to try mediation?
2. Do you and the other person want to make your own
decisions?
3. Will you and the other person sign the MLSA agreement
to mediate?
How much will it cost?
MLSA helps people of low income. If you qualify for
services, then mediation could be free.
Will I need an attorney?
No. Attorneys are not required.
Can I bring my attorney?
Yes. Your attorney can come to mediation if the other
person has their attorney come too.
MLSA may be able to provide an attorney for you. We can
only provide attorneys to low income clients. Our attorneys take on many
cases, so we can't promise one.
Need more information about family law mediation? Or want to become a
volunteer mediator?
Call our Helena office. If you are calling long distance
please dial 800-666-6124 extension 35. If you are calling from the
Helena area please call 406-442-9830 extension 35. MLSA mediation staff
will help you with questions or concerns.
Last Reviewed On: 07/23/08
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