Mediation is not just for “friendly” divorces.  In fact, it is mandatory in South Carolina prior to being given the opportunity to present evidence at a final hearing/trial in court. 

There are several options when using a divorce mediator to resolve your issues in dispute. You may use a divorce mediator prior to filing an action with the court, at the beginning of your decision to separate to help decide the process to be used and/or to help work out issues regarding your separation and/or divorce, and to summarize those decisions in a written document which can later be used to assist in the completion of a written agreement or contract.

Self-determination promotes amicable relationships and agreeable terms and helps parties arrive at creative resolutions to issues concerning children and finances. Divorce mediation does not result in a win or lose outcome. It requires each party to consider the position of the other party and a willingness to compromise in order to avoid litigation, and the expense and trauma to the family that results from litigation.

As a Mediator, Nancy J. Vavra does not impose her judgment but rather uses her legal, financial, and professional skill set arrived at after many years of advocacy, mediation and experience while in her role as a Guardian Ad Litem for children whose parents are in conflict. A mediator is no longer acting as an attorney nor as a representative for either party.  Working together, Nancy will allow you to participate in all stages of your divorce.  Her goal is to assist the parties in achieving an agreement related to your separation or divorce, which will uniquely be suited to you and to your family.

In the mediation process, Nancy is motivated to help you keep conflict from escalating, however, you will NOT be required to settle on terms that you do not agree with. Nancy works with the couple, and with their attorneys when appropriate, to help you make good decisions during a very stressful time.  Through the mediation process, Nancy encourages continued communication that may/will be necessary long after the divorce has been concluded.

Mediation allows all professionals involved with your family, lawyers, therapists, CPAs, etc. to continue to serve you efficiently in a non-adversarial environment. Generally, mediation results in greater satisfaction and commitment to follow through on the terms of the agreement, and is less painful both emotionally and financially. A successful mediation identifies issues which must be resolved in an Agreement in order for it to be approved by the Court and ordered as enforceable terms by which you may live and move forward in your lives. Mediation resolves differences and goes a long way in helping you to redefine your relationship with your spouse and/or co-parent.

When mediating, having the experience of a divorce lawyer, Nancy will provide you with information that will help you to understand your options.  You will want to know what might happen if you go to court, and the possible legal outcomes of your particular problems.  There are usually a number of possible solutions, many of which would work for you and your spouse.