3 Things to Know About Divorce Mediation in Utah

It’s often stated that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce, but the facts believe this assertion. According to statistics compiled under the auspices of the National Center of Health Statistics, the divorce rate in Utah declined from a rate of 5.1 per 1000 residents in 1990 to 3.1 in 2014. Nonetheless, with a current population of over 3,000,000, a great many people will sadly experience the emotional and financial trauma of marital dissolution. Let us at UtahDivorce.Biz explain how divorce mediation may be able to provide a better alternative to a traditional contested proceeding.

Mediation is not Adversarial and the Mediator does not Impose a Judgment

This may come as a surprise to many because the issues involved in a divorce can be very polarizing. However, the goal and tenor of mediation is to facilitate discussion and have you and your spouse work towards resolving the disagreements that exist. The mediator’s primary role is to do his or her best to ensure each party’s position is clear and understandable to the other, and the solution arrived at is one the makes sense to both.
In contrast, a contested divorce typically involves two attorney’s arguing for their respective clients’ individual interests with a judge imposing a resolution that more often than not fails to satisfy either spouse.

People Tend to be More Satisfied with Mediation Results

Although the great majority of divorces are based on no-fault grounds and the laws are fairly clear on how property is divided and on the matters of child custody and support, most participants in the mediation process report greater satisfaction than do those who experience the judicial process. In many cases, a similar result could be achieved in either process, but the key element in the divorcing spouses’ preference for mediation seems to be their level of involvement in the process.
In mediation, you actually get to speak and express your opinions, which can have an impact on the ultimate resolution. And the realization that the solution is one you agreed to and not one imposed upon you is empowering.

You Still can have an Attorney in Mediation

Legal representation and mediation are not mutually exclusive. Many couples initially try mediation without legal counsel and achieve a resolution on their own. Sometimes it is prudent to have an attorney present as the mediation draws to a conclusion to be certain nothing has been overlooked. And definitely, if your spouse has his or her lawyer present, you need yours there too.
Important legal rights are at stake as your marriage dissolves. Don’t let the cloud of emotions distract you from looking ahead to your future. Be certain you have the facts before you before you make any decisions.Law Office of David Pedrazas can explain your options and help you craft the best possible resolution for your individual circumstances. Contact us today; we’re here to help.


About  the Author:
David Pedrazas is a premier divorce and family law attorney in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from the University of Utah Law School in 1997, and has been practicing for over 14 years in the areas of divorce, child support, child custody, paternity, alimony, property division, and parent time.


Law Office of David Pedrazas, PLLC
3325 South 1100 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
801-263-7078