Mediation

St. Louis Mediation Lawyer

Alternative Resolutions to Divorce in Missouri

As a St. Louis attorney with well over half of a century of legal experience, Jack Cavanagh has a thorough understanding of mediation and collaborative divorce. When you call our firm for a consultation, we can talk to you about these approaches and can offer insight as to how they may impact your divorce. As always, we will be honest and straightforward so you can make the right choices about your case.

Interested in learning more about mediation or collaborative divorce? Call (314) 309-2799.

What is Mediation & How Does it Apply to Divorce?

In recent years, “collaborative divorce” and mediation have gained some attention as alternatives to traditional divorce proceedings. These can offer some advantages, but they can also be misleading. It is important to fully understand the implications of these alternatives before attempting such an approach.

The term “mediation” refers to the formal court-approved process for negotiating a resolution of the case. Mediation may be used as an alternative to some phases of the formal processes followed in a divorce action in court. With mediation, you and your spouse have the opportunity to discuss issues and come to a mutual agreement. Often viewed as a more amicable approach to divorce, mediation may provide some benefits by reducing stress and cost, but this will vary on a case by case basis.

At Cavanagh & Associates, we do not endorse or oppose the formal mediation process. Mediation may be best used as a response to a divorce case in which your spouse has hired an ineffective or overly aggressive attorney who lacks the skills or philosophy to place the interests of their client first.

What Can I Expect From Divorce Mediation Services?

Mediation can be started before anything is filed with the court, or the parties can be “referred” to mediation by the court after the case is filed. However, a court filing is required to implement any final agreement reached in mediation. Customarily, and by an agreement signed as part of the mediation process, the information gathered and statements made during the process are not to be used in any later contested court case between the parties.

The Missouri divorce mediation process typically proceeds as follows:

  • In mediation, both parties meet with a neutral third party, most often an attorney who has received a certification to serve as a mediator.
  • A lawyer-mediator does not advocate for either of the spouses, but instead provides guidance through the issues and the legal process necessary to implement the agreement.
  • The mediator works with them to resolve the disputes which arise during the discussions.
  • If the mediator helps the spouses to resolve all of the issues, the mediator can help prepare the necessary papers to present the agreement to the court.
  • The finalized agreement must be presented to the court along with affidavits for the court to review and approve or reject.
  • Most often an agreement reached by the parties will be approved by the court, but occasionally it is rejected by the court.

At Cavanagh & Associates, our philosophy is rooted in the long-term interests of our clients. Most clients are best served by a process which seeks to quickly gather necessary information, followed by intensive efforts to negotiate a resolution which is fair and reasonable. If you are considering mediation or want to learn more about this approach to divorce in St. Louis, St. Charles, or Chesterfield, we welcome you to contact our offices for additional information.

Avoiding Collaborative Divorce

“Collaborative Divorce” is a relatively new term used by some professionals. We believe that the term can be enticing, but it is somewhat misleading. As practiced in our area, it may lead to higher costs and the consumption of resources in a process which is too rigid, fractured, or formalized.

While not impugning the motives or ethics of any attorney or another professional who may advance the use of it, we somewhat reluctantly reject the current process of “collaborative divorce” as practiced in our area. Cavanagh & Associates has always focused on our counseling and litigation skills to efficiently and effectively resolve the disputes in a marriage that is ending. We focus on the family law issues in dispute and counsel our clients on the most rational tactics and methods to resolve those disputes.

If an ugly fight cannot be avoided, St. Louis divorce lawyer Jack Cavanagh has the skill and experience to win such a fight.

Contact us at (314) 309-2799 to schedule a consultation.

Our Clients Mean Everything to Us

Read Stories Directly From People We've Helped
    "Two things define you. Your patience when you have nothing, and your attitude when you have everything."
    My experience with Mr. Cavanagh was very pleasant. I was kept informed about what was going on with my case. Phone calls were returned promptly and everything was explained to me. Knowledgeable, personable and fair - can't ask for much more than that. He was on my side. One more thing.... he's not a pushover when it comes to the opponent! Love it!
    - Terri Buckner
    "Would recommend"
    Jack resolved a case from 1500 miles away in a timely manner. Professional throughout the entire process, took the time to understand my needs as a client and fulfilled them without ever wavering in his commitment or price. Would recommend.
    - Patrick S.
    "I was beyond satisfy"
    Mr. Jack Cavanagh was my attorney getting me removed from an child birth certificate that wasn’t my child. He made the process very easy and timely manner the communication was very good and I was beyond satisfy with the outcome and service Thank you Mr.Jack and Ms.English
    - Demetric L.
    "We won a battle like David against Goliath"
    Jack is great lawyer with lots of experience. I’m glad we I hired him to represent me. We won a battle like David against Goliath.
    - Rolles G.
    "I would give her 10 Stars if I could!"
    They are very very professional and very quick to respond so you're not left in the dark about anything to do with your case! I was very happy with the results of my case and my experience with them. I highly recommend if you're looking for a divorce lawyer or any kind of family law, Jack cavanaugh and his associates are great! I have to give a special shout out to Eka because she really made my life a heck of a lot easier and was always so quick to get back to me and let me know what is going on! I would give her 10 Stars if I could!
    - Courtney T.
    "I highly recommend him"
    Jack took over my divorce case and made a seemingly endless divorce process (nearly 4 years with mediation, continuances and a former atty.) come to a quick and agreeable settlement. Jack is an effective and seasoned attorney that made easy work of the negotiations. He is respectful and concerned for his clients. His associates were friendly and helpful, ensuring that all paperwork was completed in a timely and accurate fashion. I highly recommend him if you are going through a difficult divorce.
    - Carol
    "I would recommend Mr. Cavanagh as well as use him again in the future."
    Mr. Cavanagh was very patient in dealing with all of the difficulties of my case. He was pleasant to work with to get the child support and custody worked out in a way that was fair. He showed real concern for the welfare of my son. He was professional in guiding me with regards to counseling and getting my sons voice heard throughout the case as well. Lastly he was thorough in that he went through the original divorce decree and made sure I received what I should have gotten during the divorce. I would recommend Mr. Cavanagh as well as use him again in the future.
    - Former Client
    "I was beyond satisfy"
    Mr. Jack Cavanagh was my attorney getting me removed from an child birth certificate that wasn’t my child. He made the process very easy and timely manner the communication was very good and I was beyond satisfy with the outcome and service Thank you Mr.Jack and Ms.English
    - Demetric L.