Mediation

Waterloo Attorneys

What Is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that involves both parties coming together in an effort to resolve conflict outside of the family court system. In Black Hawk County, mediation is mandatory in family law cases, however, while the parties must agree to try to resolve their dispute through mediation, they may suspend mediation or withdraw at any time.

If you believe your marriage is ending and you wish to file for divorce, if you are concerned about issues of child custody or support, or if you are navigating any other family law matter, Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C. can help. Attorney Jennifer L. Chase is a trained and certified family law mediator who can help you understand the process, as well as your various legal options. Here, we’ve provided some helpful information on mediation in Iowa, but we strongly recommend that you schedule a consultation with our Waterloo mediation lawyers to learn how the process may unfold for you. Every case is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Contact us online or call our office at (319) 220-0416 today to request your free and confidential consultation. We provide representation in Waterloo, Iowa City and throughout the rest of the state.

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

When successful, mediation offers a number of significant benefits. First and foremost, successful mediation allows you to avoid going to trial and having an impartial judge rule on the various aspects of your divorce. This can save you a great deal of stress and emotional energy, not to mention time and (in many cases) money.

Mediation also allows you to maintain familial relationships, as the process involves collaborating and coming to mutually beneficial agreements tailored to your unique family. This can be especially powerful in cases involving children and child custody.

Additionally, in mediation, both parties and their attorneys meet with a neutral third-party facilitator who helps expedite communication and compromise between the parties. This allows both parties to present their stories, communicate their wishes, and work together to find a favorable resolution.

Iowa Mediation FAQs

At Ball, Kirk & Holm, P.C., we understand that the Iowa mediation process can be somewhat daunting. In order to help illuminate what is involved in the process, we have provided answers to common questions we receive about mediation. Continue reading to find helpful information you can use to prepare for mediation, or contact us directly to speak to a mediation attorney in Waterloo about your options today.