by VA Family Law Firm

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Blog, DivorceSeptember 23, 20200 comments

Alternative Dispute Resolution for Divorce in Virginia during COVID-19

The pandemic has complicated our lives in numerous ways, including the Virginia courts restricting the types of cases that can be heard. For this reason, alternative dispute resolution for divorce in Virginia during COVID 19 has become especially important.

How Has the Pandemic Impacted Family Law?

Changes in employment and child care availability have complicated existing orders and interrupted divorces in progress. Luckily, cases pertaining to urgent child custody issues, protective orders, and other emergency family matters have been given precedence.

However, families involved in legal proceedings that are not emergencies are complicated by a reduced court schedule. In these cases, mediation presents an alternate dispute resolution for divorce in Virginia during COVID 19.

Mediation Can Proceed During the Pandemic

One reason to consider mediation now is that it can proceed in most circumstances. As the backlog of court cases keeps growing, couples choosing mediation can proceed with relative speed. 

Another consideration is that the backlog doesn’t show any signs of lessening. As the country continues to grapple with outbreaks, no one can accurately predict when the courts will return to normal. 

Being caught in a state of transition is stressful to many families, and mediation can be an amicable way of resolving this uncertainty.

Mediation Is Cost-Effective and Confidential

At trial, statements by either party can be used against them. However, mediation is confidential and gives parties the ability to discuss the potential terms of a settlement freely in the presence of a neutral party. 

An added bonus is divorce mediation’s cost-effectiveness. Foregoing many of the added expenses caused by litigation, such as expert witnesses and additional legal hours, mediation often reduces costs significantly.

What Kinds of Alternate Dispute Resolution Are There?

Typically, parties can choose between two types of mediation. These are private mediation or judicial mediation. 

With private mediation, the couple meets together with a mediator, who often is a practicing attorney. The mediator facilitates conversations that work towards producing a fair, collaborative settlement. This may take several sessions to accomplish.

Judicial mediation involves a mediator who is a retired judge. Often, this type of mediation is resolved in one or two sessions. Judicial mediation can be a cost-effective and quick way to work out a divorce, although the session may be labor intensive. 

Learn More About Alternative Dispute Resolution for Divorce in Virginia During COVID 19

Call today to learn whether mediation may be appropriate in your circumstances, and we can assist you remotely or in person. Call the professionals at Grenadier, Duffett, Levi, Winlker & Rubin, P.C. at  703-683-9000 or click here to fill out our contact form.