Getting divorced is a personal decision that impacts the lives of at least two people and, many times, quite a few more as well. Many Pennsylvania spouses hope to negotiate their settlements without going to court. However, it’s not always possible, especially if you’re involved in a highly contentious relationship. There are certain signs that suggest that family law mediation may not be the best choice to fit a particular divorce situation.
Successful mediation hinges upon amicable discussion. Each spouse must be willing to keep the best interests of the other in mind when devising co-parenting plans or resolving other issues, such as those regarding property division or child support. If you are at a point in life where you are spending more time hoping the other person “gets what’s coming to him or her,” it is a sign that it might be better to litigate a divorce.
If your spouse is trying to get you to accept an unfair settlement and you feel you are getting the short end of the stick, you may need the court to intervene and determine a fair agreement. Perhaps, the problem is that you do not feel comfortable acting on your own behalf to devise a settlement. If so, you can resolve all divorce-related issues in court while allowing an experienced family law attorney to do the talking for you.
Pennsylvania is among the majority of states that oversee property division issues through equitable distribution, meaning the court determines how to divide marital assets in as fair a manner as possible. It is also important to remember that if you are a domestic violence victim or your situation involves a substance abuse problem, mediation is definitely not the best course of action. By contacting Standish & Conlin, you can arrange a meeting with an attorney who is fully equipped to address all aspects of family law mediation and divorce on your behalf.