Family mediation is an alternative to Court. For those seeking settlement who want to avoid the time and expense of going to court, family mediation functions as an alternative dispute resolution method. As an impartial third party, the mediating attorney’s role is to guide the involved parties to a resolution of mutual satisfaction.
Family Mediation in Tennessee is a form of dispute resolution that is facilitated by a neutral third party. Benefits of family mediation may include clarification of misunderstandings, exploring alternative solutions, maintaining privacy, reducing stress, preventing trials, and promoting a better relationship through problem-solving.
Whether through court action or mediation, the following types of disputes can be addressed.
Family mediation can help you resolve disagreements about marriage, separation, parenting schedules, child support, child custody, divorce, alimony, or property.
You can attend voluntary mediation any time before or during a case.
A trained Family Mediator will lead the mediation meeting. Each party voices its opinion as to how to resolve the case. The role of the Family Mediator is to help you and the other party reach an agreed-upon resolution without going to court for full litigation.
Most family mediation sessions are agreed-upon hours, but usually no longer than five-hour sessions.
Family mediation can be conducted in person, or remotely on the phone, by email, or by video. Having the flexibility to conduct mediation means you can work around work conflicts, illness, and agreed-upon.
Prepare for family mediation with a proposed parenting plan, ideal arrangements, lists of expenses, proof of income, and entries from a parenting journal or calendar showing when you care for your child.
Family mediation is confidential. No information you share during mediation is shared with the judge. The mediator only reports the result of the mediation – if it was successful or not. All conversations and documents presented during mediation are confidential and privileged under Tennessee mediation law T.C.A. § 36-4-130 unless otherwise communicated.
If the parties do not reach an agreement, you maintain the right to take the dispute before a judge or jury. If you start family mediation but decide to stop before you complete an agreement, you will maintain your right to go to court at a scheduled court date.
Generally, the cost to mediate is shared equally between the parties involved unless otherwise stated. In some cases, the judge may order a case to be mediated.
Don’t settle for just any mediator. Instead, choose the family mediator that’s right for your case. What makes a good family mediator?
Our family mediation experience can benefit you. Get in touch with a Rule 31 Family Mediator, Tiffany Hagar, to learn what the legal team at Hagar & Phillips can do for you in your time of need. Schedule mediation with Hagar & Phillips by calling 615-784-4588 or email tbrennan@hplawtn.com.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.