Save Money

In certain cases, parties can save thousands (vs. traditional litigation) by mediating contested Family Court issues early on. Mediation is already mandatory in South Carolina Family Court cases before a trial can be scheduled. 

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Mediation can help you end your case months or years earlier than contested litigation. You can even mediate prior to separating.

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Save Time

Having a competent divorce mediator guide you through a process of effective communication and agreement building can translate to thousands saved in litigation fees and costs. Your Summerville Family Court mediator will help guide your discussions and minimize your distractions, keeping you both negotiating effectively and efficiently.  The more productive your discussions, the less time it takes and the less cost to you. 

Your Children May Benefit

Many separating or separated parents who have poor communication skills or who struggle with high conflict are surprised at how successful mediation can be.

Mediation doesn't treat parents as either best friends or as adversaries - instead, parents are problem solvers.

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A mediated agreement can also be tailored to the specific needs of your family. This can be especially useful for families with special needs children or unique circumstances, such as military families or long-distance parenting plans. 

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• May be more willingness to co-parent

• Reduced conflict

• Reduced time spent in litigation

• Greater likelihood of future compliance with the agreement

Long-Term Results

Studies have shown that people who reach mediated agreements are more likely to "stick to them," reducing the risk of parties attempting to modify or change parts of the agreement in the future. Our goal is to help you build a durable, enforceable settlement agreement tailored to your family's specific needs, and to help keep you out of Court down the road. 

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YOU Make the Decisions

In divorce and family mediation, the parties make their own decisions, with the help of a mediator. This means that the parties need not relinquish control of major life decisions to a Judge (who does not know your family) and eliminates the serious uncertainty of not knowing how a Judge might decide your case.   This also allows parties to reach more creative agreements (vs. solutions imposed by a Judge) that are tailored to your family. 

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Preserve Your Options

Confidentiality in mediation allows discussion of settlement options, of personal history, and even emotions- kindness, appreciation, anger, hurt, and regret - without risk of this information being used against you in Court. Both parties are free to explore options without fear that your efforts will be used against you in the event of litigation. If mediation doesn't work, both parties are still free to go to Court.