Albuquerque Family LAw Mediation Lawyer
Settling the issues involved in a divorce is rarely easy, but there are some paths that are less difficult than others, and serve to better set up the spouses to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Mediation, the process of working with a third party to find a mutually acceptable agreement on issues of property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support, may be the best means of resolution.
At ABQ Facilitation, our Albuquerque mediation lawyer has over 27 years of experience helping couples work through the difficult issues that are involved in a divorce settlement. Clients who come to us get the combination of a sharp legal mind and a soft compassionate heart. We’re not here to judge either side, only to help bring this chapter of our clients’ lives to a peaceful resolution.
Also serving Ruidoso, Las Cruces, Sandoval County, Valencia County, & Torrance County.
Advantages of Mediation
The advantages of mediation are such that New Mexico law require couples to use this settlement facilitation process before going to court. And the biggest of those advantages is control.
In mediation, the spouses retain veto power over any settlement proposal they cannot accept. This is a power that is lost if a dispute goes to court, or even to arbitration.
Furthermore, the control the spouses have extends to the scheduling of the mediation sessions. A spouse that has a busy schedule that may include both work and getting kids to and from school and other activities, will likely appreciate being able to work with the mediator on a day that works best for them. That flexibility is gone when a case goes to court.
Mediation also typically costs less than going to court. While every case is different, and the lower costs do presume a settlement being reached, mediation involves fewer hours and less investigative work on the part of the lawyer. All of which is to the benefit of the client.
Control and cost are significant benefits in of themselves, but there’s also one more. When couples are able to work with a mediator to resolve their differences it can bring this period of their life to a healthy end, and thereby get the next chapter off on the right foot. This is particularly true in situations where the spouse will still need to interact with each other, such as in the raising of children.
Why Albuquerque Residents Choose Mediation for Smoke Damage Restoration Disputes
Living in Albuquerque, we understand the unique challenges that come with smoke damage restoration. The dry climate and frequent wildfires in New Mexico can lead to significant smoke damage, affecting homes and businesses alike. When disputes arise over restoration processes or insurance claims, mediation offers a practical solution that keeps you in control.
In Albuquerque, local government entities like the City of Albuquerque and the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management provide resources and support for residents dealing with smoke damage. However, navigating these resources and resolving disputes can be complex. Mediation allows you to work through these issues on your terms, without the rigidity of court schedules.
For busy Albuquerque residents, especially those balancing work and family commitments, the flexibility of mediation is invaluable. You can schedule sessions at times that fit your life, ensuring that the process is as stress-free as possible. This is a stark contrast to the inflexible timelines of court proceedings.
Cost is another critical factor. Mediation generally incurs fewer expenses than going to court, which is a significant consideration for many Albuquerque families. Lower costs mean you can allocate more resources to the actual restoration of your property, rather than legal fees.
Finally, mediation fosters a collaborative environment, which is essential for maintaining relationships, especially in a close-knit community like Albuquerque. Whether you're dealing with a neighbor, a contractor, or an insurance company, mediation helps you reach a resolution that works for everyone involved, paving the way for a smoother recovery process.
A Thoughtful Albuquerque Mediation Lawyer
Attorney Michelle Cortez has spent over 27 years helping couples resolve the disputes that arise in a divorce proceeding. Each case she has worked brings new insights into problem-solving—what works, and what doesn’t. She leverages that experience in her role as a mediator, to help couples achieve the settlement they need. She founded ABQ Facilitation precisely so spouses, who may be going through some personal pain, would have a place to turn for reliable solutions.
Understand the Disadvantages of Mediation
While there are no true disadvantages to the process of a third party helping people work out their differences, there are some situations where it may simply be unworkable. A prime example would be a marriage that is ending because domestic violence was involved.
Certainly, the victimized spouse, would not be expected to sit in a mediating session with the person who abused them. More broadly speaking, the success of mediation is predicated on the spouses being able to communicate with each other in a professional manner, even if only through their attorneys.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can mediation sessions be scheduled around personal commitments like work and family?
Yes, one of the key advantages of mediation is its flexibility in scheduling. Unlike court proceedings, which follow a strict court calendar, mediation sessions can be arranged to fit the personal schedules of the spouses involved. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with demanding work schedules or family commitments, such as transporting children to and from school and activities. The ability to collaborate with the mediator to find suitable dates ensures that the process is convenient and less disruptive to daily life.
How does successful mediation impact post-divorce family dynamics?
Our experienced attorney will help you reach an amicable settlement while also staying out of court.
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