How Legal Representation is Crucial for Divorce Mediation in Colorado
If you’re getting divorced, Colorado courts may require you to attend mediation, depending on the specifics of your case. Judges usually prefer spouses resolve disputes and reach a divorce settlement outside the courtroom. Thus, obtaining an attorney or a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional (LLP) for divorce mediation in Colorado is crucial to saving time and money. This article explains why legal representation is your best bet to make the most out of mediation.
A Legal Representative Benefits You in Divorce Mediation
While mediation is not a universal requirement in all Colorado divorce cases, it is still commonly required. The goal of mediation is to help you and your spouse arrange the specifics of your divorce agreement. The mediator is a trained, neutral, unbiased third party who aims to help you and your spouse reach a middle ground in your divorce settlement.
Of course, every case is different, and the court may not order mediation in instances of domestic violence and high-conflict cases.
Many folks ask me, “Do I need legal counsel for mediation?” The answer is no: you technically do not need a divorce attorney or LLP for mediation. However, a family law attorney or LLP will give you a competitive edge and can reduce your chances of spending additional time and money in court.
What Divorce Mediation in Colorado is Like Without Legal Representation
Consider this scenario:
You show up for mediation all alone. Your soon-to-be ex-spouse arrives with a steely-eyed divorce attorney. You have no legal experience and don’t understand all the legal jargon. Now, you’re about to make a concession that you aren’t sure benefits you.
Note: Your mediator is an unbiased party whose job is to help you and your spouse reach an agreement. They can’t assist you in making decisions regarding your case.
The bottom line is that you could end up with an unfavorable divorce settlement or custody agreement if you don’t have an attorney or LLP at mediation. Post-decree modifications can be difficult or impossible. For instance, a family court cannot adjust the terms of a contractual alimony agreement because it is considered a civil contract. And child support requires a “substantial and continuing” change in circumstances to be modified.
Modifying a divorce decree is a time-consuming and costly quest that may not result in your desired outcome.
What It’s Like to Have Legal Representation in Mediation
An experienced divorce attorney or LLP has seen almost every scenario you can imagine. Therefore, they are poised to advocate for you and help you achieve your goals. When you hire legal representation for mediation, you’re in better shape right off the bat.
Here are just a few ways an attorney or LLP will benefit you at mediation:
Offer advice regarding your marital assets, custody, spousal support, and other legal obligations.
Help you identify favorable offers by the other party.
Suggest fair compromises or alternative solutions to your spouse’s requests.
Push back on unreasonable demands by your spouse’s attorney.
Provide a voice of reason and counsel you on realistic expectations.
Ultimately, your legal representative equalizes the balance of power, so you aren’t going up against your spouse’s divorce attorney alone.
Hire a Divorce Attorney for Your Mediation
Don’t take on divorce mediation in Colorado alone. Set up a case assessment to find out how our Family Law Team can help you get the best outcome for you and your family.
