Divorce

So you've decided it is best for you and your partner to divorce. Now what? On so many levels you are standing at a crossroads in your life. There are an overwhelming amount of decisions to make and changes to address. One of the first decisions (and one of the most important decisions) you should make is what type of divorce you would like.

Unfortunately most folks do not understand there are different types of divorce, or they are too stuck in the darkness of anger, grief, sadness, or confusion to consider and consciously choose the best bridge for their divorce situation. Please take a moment to consider your various divorce options:

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The following options are available via our Flat-Rate Program: 

• PRO SE  MEDIATION  
  If you and the other party aren't sure if you agree on very much, don't know much about Indiana law, have children or a moderate amount of assets, aren't sure on how to divide things, but are both willing to compromise and generally trust each other, you might be able to complete your divorce in about 60 days by going to see a mediator together.  A mediator educate you both about Indiana law, brainstorm ideas, and draft your final agreement for submission to the court.  If successful in working with the mediator, you may never need to go to court.

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The following options are more "involved" and may require an hourly service via our parent firm: Billick Mediation & Family Law:

• COMPLICATED CASE
  Multiple individuals are in conflict about a guardianship, paternity, adoption, or custody matter. It is a very complicated situation perhaps involving a guardian ad litem, grandparents, aunts, uncles, multiple fathers, or even the Department of Child Services. Everyone agrees it would be better to work out the details of such a complicated situation outside of court since there are so many people and so many interests involved. Collectively the group contacts a mediator to help craft a very unique agreement for the court's review.
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• ATTORNEY-INVOLVED
  Sometimes the court orders parties who have attorneys to attend mediation. When this occurs both attorneys and both parties meet with the mediator and try to resolve differences to avoid the stress and expense of a trial. If an agreement is reached, both attorneys and parties sign the agreement during the mediation session and all remaining court dates are usually cancelled.

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Sometimes a mediation will last an hour.  Sometimes a mediation will be broken up into multiple 4-hour windows over the course of a few days so no one becomes fatigued. Sometimes a mediation will last for 8 or 9 hours with minimal breaks. Each situation is different. In the end, a full agreement on all the issues of the conflict may be reached, or a partial agreement may be reached, or no agreement may be reached. If a full or partial agreement is reached, the mediator will draft the agreement. The parties (and any attorneys) will review the agreement and sign the agreement. Once the agreement is signed, the mediator will forward it to the court for review and approval. In most cases, the court will approve the agreement at which point it becomes a binding order of the court, and the parties can avoid the cost of a hearing on the agreed upon issues.