Couple meets with divorce mediation lawyer

Divorce Mediation

Nashville Divorce Mediation Lawyers

The Nashville divorce mediators at MHPS can help divorcing couples resolve as many issues as possible before lengthy proceedings are necessary. Our attorneys are dedicated to making sure all parties reach agreements in divorce mediation with which they are comfortable moving forward. We also represent people in Franklin, Cool Springs, Bellevue, and Belle Meade, as well as other communities throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties.

Couple meets with divorce mediation attorney

Tennessee Mediation Requirements

Mediation is a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that is used to avoid litigation or trial when possible in a contested divorce. It is meant to save financial resources, as well as time and stress. Mediation involves a private, informal setting in which an impartial mediator helps facilitate an agreement between the parties regarding important issues such as the division of property, child support or custody, and spousal support.

Couple gets advice from divorce mediator

Everything said and done during mediation is kept confidential. Mediators are not permitted to disclose the discussions to the court, and they are only allowed to say whether or not the parties mediated in good faith and reached a settlement. A mediator cannot be required to testify in court unless both spouses sign an agreement allowing such disclosure. Under Tennessee law, all reports, documents, and other records provided by each spouse as part of mediation also remain privileged.

Although mediation is required in every divorce case before a contested case can go to trial, Tennessee law dictates certain exceptions to this requirement, including:

  • When the party cannot financially afford the expense of hiring a mediator. However, the requirement still applies if the fee of the mediator can either be waived or subsidized by the state.
  • If the parties have filed a Marital Dissolution Agreement, an Agreed Order or Final Judgment that addresses all contentious issues
  • A settlement conference had been held by the court
  • The court believes mediation will result in an impasse

Rule 31: Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission

Rule 31 of the Rules of the Supreme Court of the State of Tennessee lists the parameters, rules, and concepts that apply to alternative dispute resolution and mediation. Such guidelines under Rule 31 are

  • The mediator must be neutral.
  • If one party tells the mediator not to disclose something to the other party, the mediator must do so.
  • To maintain confidentiality, the mediator only needs to report if a settlement was reached or not.

rule 31 mediator

Couple works with lawyer on divorce mediation

Divorce Mediation Process

It’s important to note that since the mediator is a neutral party, he/she will not be offering legal advice to either party. Instead, the mediator will bring both parties to reach an agreement on many of the contested issues.

The process begins with the mediator placing both parties into separate rooms with their respective attorneys (who can provide legal advice during the mediation). The mediator will then visit each couple to negotiate a resolution on matters such as division of property, child custody and support, and alimony.

When an agreement has been reached, all parties will enter into a binding agreement. The parties’ attorneys can draft these agreements while at mediation. According to Tennessee law, these agreements cannot be prepared by the mediator; only the parties’ attorneys can prepare the paperwork and filing with the court.

If any party changes their mind or an agreement cannot be reached, the parties will then most likely head to trial where a judge will make the decisions for them.

What You Need For a Divorce Mediation Session

While there is no official checklist of things you need prepared for your mediation session, there are a few documents and items which can help your mediator and representative attorneys help you reach a settlement.

  • Proposed settlement: While this is likely to change, it’s always a good idea to have an idea of what type of settlement you are looking for in this divorce. This will help your attorney see what is important to you.
  • Asset List: As a couple, you acquired a lot of marital property, as well as some separate property you brought into the relationship. Have a list of all assets and their worth, along with what property you wish to keep.
  • Debt list: You should have a list of all debts you and your ex own together. Be sure to check statement balances, due dates, etc. to see if anything is overdue, or needs to be changed over to your ex.
  • Insurance and Retirement: Upon divorce, the terms of your insurance policies and retirement plans may change. It’s important to know what the fine print is for both.
  • Trusts: Know the conditions of any trust you may hold.

Couple consider divorce mediation

How Our Divorce Attorneys Can Help

When you are facing a divorce mediation, you do have the option to have your attorney present during the negotiations. At MHPS, our lawyers know the ins and outs of the divorce laws in Tennessee. By joining the negotiations, our attorneys will make sure you get a fair settlement.

The Nashville divorce attorneys at MHPS have vast experience in guiding parties through mediation. If you need an attorney present at your divorce mediation, please contact us today for more information.