If you are involved in a family court dispute, you are probably wondering what your options are for resolving the matter. Family court cases may take a number of twists and turns, and it can be overwhelming when you think about all of the possible outcomes in your particular case. However, a family mediator in Louisiana can actually help you maintain control over the outcome of your case, as opposed to a judge. Whereas a judge issues a ruling that the parties must follow, a family mediator in Louisiana helps the parties create an agreement of their own choosing.
A family mediator conducts mediation, which is a type of alternative dispute resolution that helps the parties keep the case out of court. During mediation, the parties work with a mediator to create their own settlement agreement. The mediator has no decision-making power over the parties. Rather, the mediator’s role is to help the parties communicate and negotiate so that they create an agreement that works for them.
A judge, in contrast, reviews evidence and listens to testimony in a courtroom during a hearing or trial. At the conclusion of the hearing or trial, the judge makes a decision on behalf of the parties. Whether they like the judge’s decision or not the parties must follow the judge’s order.
During family mediation, settlement negotiations and statements made to the mediator remain private. The parties do not have to worry that the things they said will become public record. However, in court, all statements made are public, in addition to the evidence that is submitted. Thus, a family mediator helps the parties maintain their privacy.
To preserve control over the outcome of a case, and to keep family matters confidential, family mediation should be considered as an alternative to the stressful arena of the courtroom.
