One of the most common questions that people have when they inquire about family mediation is if they still need to hire a lawyer.
Do you need one? No.
Should you have one? It depends.
A mediator’s role is to be neutral. Even if he or she is a licensed attorney, they are not there to give you legal advice. If you have questions about your rights, then you should consult an attorney.
Some parties choose to take a settlement agreement from mediation and file it with the court themselves. For many, this allows them to work through issues in the most cost-effective way and they feel comfortable signing the agreement that is drafted after the mediation session.
Other parties choose to meet with an attorney between sessions if they have questions and/or have an attorney review the final agreement before they sign it. Certain attorneys will even agree to be available by phone for questions, allowing parties to limit their expenses while still securing the advice they need.
If you would feel more comfortable having a lawyer with you during the mediation process, then you should absolutely feel free to do that. The goal of mediation is to reach a solution that you are comfortable with. The input of an experienced family law attorney may give you the peace of mind you are looking for.
If you have questions about the mediation process, contact LeBlanc Law & Mediation at 612-548-4953 to speak with a Minneapolis family law mediator serving the Twin Cities metro area.
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