Divorce Mediation Albuquerque

Seek Amicable Resolutions without Involving the Courts in New Mexico

Divorce mediation and settlement facilitation are not the same processes, but they have some similarities. 

Call (505) 431-4716 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our mediation lawyers in Albuquerque to learn more.

What is Divorce Mediation?

Couples considering divorce or how to raise their children post-breakup want to make the process as painless, quick and inexpensive as possible. Mediation is definitely worth considering. In true mediation, there is one professional involved who does not represent either party but serves as a neutral person who helps the couple negotiate an agreement they can live with.

While some therapists and accountants act as mediator, it is much better to have one lawyer serve as the mediator, especially if the couple wants the divorce mediator to prepare the legal paperwork that spells out the agreement reached. Only a New Mexico divorce lawyer can draft court pleadings. However, sometimes the parties need expertise in financial matters and can benefit from going to one accountant to sort through the financial documents, or a good child psychologist or family therapist can help the parents work through co-parenting disputes. The couple can tap the expertise of these other professionals but still use a single attorney mediator.

"Tamara did a wonderful job, was super professional and very conscientious of her time and fees. Our divorce was amicable and she made it very easy. Thank you!."

Everyone’s support was wonderful, and so needed, during such a brutal, emotional, and heartbreaking time. - M.F.

Maintaining Neutrality 
throughout the Process

The divorce mediator must remain neutral in order to create a successful divorce process. If this is a process you think you may want to pursue, you and your partner or spouse should meet with the attorney at the initial consultation together. Once a lawyer hears only “one side of the story,” that attorney is no longer truly neutral. Also, all emails and letters by the mediator should be sent to both parties at the same time, so everyone is on the same page and it does not look like one spouse/parent is trying to get the mediator on his or her “side.”

Mediation can take place in one or multiple meetings. The more prepared the couple and mediator are, the more productive the meeting will be.

The parties will need to provide the mediator with the financial documents necessary to understand:

  • What property and debts are involved
  • The gross income of both parents to calculate child support
  • The average monthly income and expenses to evaluate whether the alimony is needed or appropriate in the overall circumstances

Mediation does not work for all couples wanting to divorce. For example, if there is a major imbalance of power in the relationship where one spouse dominates and the other spouse usually gives in, then the “weaker” spouse may cave and give up too much just to end the conflict. Another example is if one spouse knows all the finances and assets and the other spouse now has to “trust” that there will be full disclosure of the financial picture but trust is minimal, then the spouse in the dark may hold on to unreasonable expectations about child support, alimony or property division.

Court Clinic or
 Family Court Services

Mediation through services affiliated with specific courts is different than private mediation. Court-affiliated services usually focus only on child custody and co-parenting issues; they do not address child support, alimony or spousal support or property and debt division. Also, there is often a fee for certain kinds of services offered by Court Clinic in Albuquerque and Family Court Services share those fees. Contact the local service for its informational brochures on services they offer including any associated fees.

Settlement Facilitation in Albuquerque & Throughout New Mexico

Settlement facilitation also involves a neutral professional, usually a lawyer or a lawyer teamed up with an accountant or psychologist, but there’s often a little more arm-twisting involved. In Albuquerque, you cannot get a trial date set without first going through the settlement facilitation process.

The settlement facilitator does not represent either party and if a party has a lawyer, then that lawyer will provide key information to the facilitator in advance and attends the facilitation meeting. Settlement facilitation is usually done in one meeting, either half-day or full-day. The settlement facilitator can and does offer his or her opinion on the various settlement offers made and how the particular judge may rule if the parties do not reach an agreement and ask the judge to decide.

A good settlement facilitator provides an honest “reality check” for both parties on how the case will come out if it goes to trial. This usually helps the couple make practical concessions to reach an agreement without the time, expense and uncertainty of going to court.

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost?

Neither private mediation nor settlement facilitation is free. The facilitator gets paid for his or her time as well as the parties’ attorneys. However, it is more affordable to settle your disagreements this way than to go through a trial.

Our Albuquerque mediation lawyers can help. Contact us online or give us a call today to set up a consultation. 

What Sets NM Divorce & Custody Law, LLC Apart?

Passionate & Personalized Representation
  • We think outside the box to find the best solution for you and your family.
  • Our lead attorney has extensive experience in private practice & as a former prosecutor, and will take your case to trial.
  • Our team has 20+ years of experience.
  • We will manage expectations and not promise more than what the law would allow given the facts of your case.
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