A Peaceful Path to Resolution for Divorce, Custody & Support Disputes
Mediation can be an empowering and productive way for co-parents and divorcing couples to handle legal matters that may come up. For instance, during mediation, spouses can meet with a neutral third party, known as a mediator, to discuss various issues related to the marital breakup. For example, they might talk through property division, child custody, and alimony in the hopes of reaching an agreement.
Turner Family Law has helped dozens of clients who have attended mediation during their divorce proceedings. We can guide you by explaining what to expect during mediation and going to the sessions with you. We can also help review the recommendations made by the mediator after the proceedings.
What Is Family Mediation?
Family mediation is an out-of-court setting where people can resolve pending legal matters that arise during or after a divorce or child custody dispute. Common issues that people may discuss with a mediator include child custody, asset division, alimony, and child support. South Carolina law requires some divorcing couples to attend mediation to help them efficiently reach a settlement on contentious matters.
What Happens During Mediation?
In mediation, those involved (e.g., the parents or spouses) talk to a neutral third party (mediator) in a structured, informal setting. Each spouse can bring their own attorney, and they would discuss different issues that are undecided.
The mediator is there to guide the discussions and review information presented by each party.
At the end of the session, the mediator would write up recommendations based on the conversations. These may be agreed to by the spouses and sent to the judge for consideration.
When Is Mediation Used in South Carolina Family Court?
Mediation can be used in different family law settings in South Carolina. The law requires many spouses who are part of a highly contentious divorce to attempt mediation to conserve the court’s resources. Mediation may also be used to resolve legal disputes involving existing family court orders, such as child custody agreements.
Is Mediation Required in SC Family Law Cases?
South Carolina law sometimes requires couples to attend mediation. This could be because the divorce or custody case involves a high level of conflict. Or, the judge may believe the parties would benefit from talking through matters in a non-court setting before presenting their proposals to the judge.
Why Choose Turner Family Law for Mediation?
Turner Family Law’s team of attorneys and support staff is compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable. Our law firm was founded by a father who went through a divorce, so he can relate to many of his clients’ struggles and questions. We forge partnerships based on trust with our clients, allowing us to create personalized legal strategies for those we serve. Our team can go to mediation with you, answer your questions, review agreements made during mediation, and advise you on the next steps.
What We Can Help You Resolve Through Mediation
Turner Family Law has experience helping people attend mediation to resolve many family law disputes, including:
- Divorce terms and settlement agreements
- Child custody and parenting plans
- Spousal and child support arrangements
- Property and debt division agreements
We understand that many of these matters may present logistical and emotional challenges.
Our attorneys are skilled negotiators with the tools needed to resolve conflicts with dignity.
Serving Families Throughout Rock Hill and York County
What Our Family Law Clients Say
Turner Family Law deeply cares about the communities we serve, like those throughout Rock Hill and York County. Andrew Garland worked with our law firm during his divorce, and here’s how he described his experience:
“Just recently retained and used Michael Turner for my divorce. I was extremely pleased with his professionalism and expertise throughout my divorce process. Most importantly, we truly developed a relationship, and it certainly didn’t feel like it was simply transactional. He cared and wanted me to feel comfortable and at ease through a difficult time in my life! I am grateful!”
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation in Rock Hill
Do I need a lawyer for family mediation in SC?
No. You are not required to hire an attorney to go to mediation with you. However, hiring an attorney may be beneficial because the attorney can explain the process and represent you during the proceedings.
Is what we say in mediation confidential?
It depends. Some but not all of what is discussed during mediation is confidential. Statements made about plans to commit a crime, for example, would not be. Likewise, some of the communications made during mediation may be disclosed to the court if the statements relate to the settlement agreement process.
Can mediation be used after a case has already started?
Yes. Typically, the parties would file a case first, then they would ask to discuss some of the matters in mediation.
What happens if we don’t reach an agreement in mediation?
If you don’t reach an agreement during mediation, you may need to have a full trial in court.
Schedule a Family Mediation Session in Rock Hill, SC
Family law mediation can be a productive and relieving setting for people to discuss their legal disputes. Instead of having to attend court, they can go to a structured but informal meeting and talk through various matters they’re having a hard time agreeing on. A professional mediator will help guide these conversations and write up the conclusions reached during the session or sessions.
Turner Family Law has vast experience representing people during family law mediations. We understand that many people entering these spaces may not know what to expect. We help people by explaining the process and attending mediations with our clients. Reach out to our team today by calling 864-778-2734 to schedule a time to talk to us about your mediation goals or concerns.
