Divorce Mediation

Optimal Divorce Solutions provides professional mediation services designed to facilitate amicable and equitable resolutions. Our structured approach helps you navigate the process by making informed decisions based on your unique situation, needs, and future goals. The topics covered in our certified mediation services vary based on each client's and family’s specific circumstances. These generally include: • Child Custody & Visitation: Developing parenting plans and visitation schedules to ensure the best interests of the children. • Division of Assets & Debts: Equitably dividing marital property, financial assets, and liabilities. • Spousal Support: Determining appropriate levels of spousal maintenance or alimony. • Child Support: Calculating and negotiating child support payments to meet the children's financial needs. • Real Estate: Addressing the division or sale of homes and other real estate properties. • Retirement & Pension Accounts: Evaluating and dividing retirement savings and pension plans. • Business Interests: Assessing and dividing ownership interests in any businesses. • Health Insurance & Benefits: Reviewing and updating health, life, and property insurance policies. • Tax Implications: Understanding the tax consequences of settlements and planning accordingly. • Personal Property: Distributing personal belongings and household items equitably. This comprehensive process ensures that all critical areas are addressed, providing clients with the support and guidance needed to navigate these complexities and reach fair, mutually agreeable solutions." Disclaimer: "I, Lisa McNally, am not an attorney, financial advisor, tax advisor, or therapist. The services offered by Lisa McNally/Optimal Divorce Solutions, including mediation, coaching, and financial analysis, provide general guidance and support. For legal, financial, tax, or mental health issues, please consult a licensed professional."

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About Divorce Mediation:

What Is Divorce/Family Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential and personalized approach for couples, whether married or unmarried, to settle their relationship, parenting, and financial matters. This process empowers the parties involved to make decisions about their family, finances, and lives with the guidance of a neutral mediator, avoiding lengthy court battles and reducing costs.

What Is A Certified Divorce/Family Mediator?

A Certified Family Mediator is a trained professional who facilitates agreements between parties dealing with separation, co-parenting, and relationship issues. They act as neutral third parties, prioritizing fair and mutually beneficial resolutions that consider everyone's needs, including children if involved. Certification assures clients of the mediator's expertise, commitment, and adherence to professional standards, making them a reliable choice for navigating complex family matters efficiently and effectively.

How Does A CDFA Work With Me & My Legal Team?

In mediation, I act as a neutral mediator to guide couples toward fair agreements in a confidential and personalized manner. Unlike attorneys, I don’t take sides; instead, I facilitate respectful and effective communication. Here's how it works: • Neutral Facilitation: I help couples communicate respectfully and explore solutions together. • Identifying Issues: We identify and prioritize the issues that need resolution. • Information Gathering: I assist in gathering necessary information for informed decision-making. • Brainstorming & Discussing: We brainstorm ideas and discuss viable options. • Reality Testing: I help reality-test potential solutions to ensure they are practical. • Agreement Definition: Together, we clearly define agreements while staying focused on the core issues. • Mediated Agreement: The outcome is a Mediated Agreement that reflects the agreements reached in mediation and can be submitted to the court for approval. This process empowers couples to control decisions about their family, finances, and lives without court intervention, saving time, money, and stress.

How Does A CDFA Differ From A CFP & CPA?

It's important to understand that mediation is distinct from therapy or legal advice. While therapy aims to resolve emotional issues and possibly reconcile relationships, mediation focuses on helping parties reach fair and informed agreements to dissolve their marital relationship. Mediators, even if they are licensed attorneys, do not offer legal advice or representation. Their role is to facilitate discussions and assist in reaching agreements on marital-related matters. While they can educate you on legal procedures, their focus remains on guiding discussions for mutually acceptable resolutions.

Private Mediation vs.
Court-Required Mediation

Private mediation and court-required mediation serve the same fundamental purpose of facilitating a resolution between couples, but they differ in several key aspects. Private mediation occurs voluntarily and typically involves hiring a neutral mediator chosen by the parties themselves. The process is entirely confidential and takes place outside the courtroom, providing greater flexibility and control over the proceedings. In private mediation, couples can address specific issues unique to their situation, such as child custody arrangements, division of assets, and spousal support, in a collaborative and non-adversarial environment. The mediator helps facilitate communication, assists in exploring options, and guides the couple toward reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. Because private mediation is voluntary, either party can withdraw from the process at any time. Court-required mediation is mandated by the court and often occurs after litigation has begun. In this scenario, the court appoints a mediator, and both parties are typically required to participate. The goal of court-ordered mediation is to reduce the burden on the judicial system by encouraging parties to reach mutual agreements outside of court. However, participation may feel more obligatory, as it is mandatory, and non-compliance could lead to sanctions or other consequences. Mediation supports your legal process without providing legal advice. Unlike private mediation, court-required mediation may have stricter guidelines and limited scope, focusing primarily on resolving specific legal issues rather than addressing broader concerns. Additionally, the confidentiality of court-ordered mediation may be limited, as the mediator may be required to report certain information back to the court. In summary, while both private and court-required mediation aim to facilitate settlement agreements, private mediation offers greater autonomy, flexibility, and confidentiality, while court-required mediation is mandated by the court and may have more stringent requirements and limited confidentiality.

10 Benefits of Divorce Mediation:

Working with a Certified Divorce Mediator can offer numerous advantages during the divorce process.

Here are 10 benefits:

Lisa McNally | Optimal Divorce Solutions