Mediation Helping Families Regain Their Strength

Divorce Mediation Attorney in Jackson, MS

proudly serving the entire State of Mississippi

In the flood of recent discussions about tort reform and the many areas in which our legal system needs changing, the word “mediation” was conspicuous by its absence.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is an alternative to the traditional legal process which, without exception, takes too much time, costs too much money, and gets too little done. Problems with the traditional legal system have spawned a new wave of attorney “humor.” We tell jokes about attorneys, but when problems arise in our families or businesses, we hand them our lives, finances, and children. Make sense? No.

The failures of the traditional legal system are most evident in dealing with family issues. In response to this need, Chinn & Associates has a mediated divorce process which empowers clients to identify and settle the issues involved in divorce.

Find out more about mediation from a team of professionals in Madison & Rankin Counties. Call Chinn & Associates at (601) 202-5594!

The Benefits of Mediation for Your family

Mediation is a more efficient method of settling the difficult issues which arise during separation or divorce. A mediator is a neutral party who works to negotiate the issues related to the divorce process. The parties maintain control of what issues get settled first and the final terms of the agreement.

Mediation is not just for couples who are divorcing. A mediator can help establish a temporary agreement for couples who are separated, but who have not made a final decision to terminate their marriage.

The objectives of a divorce mediator are:

To complete divorce in an ordered and controlled process, preferably in one day of mediation.
To avoid the cost and difficulty of litigation (court).
To tailor settlements to the needs of the parties and their children.
To foster a constructive resolution of issues in ways that promote the family.
To conduct the divorce process in a way that promotes the interests and rights and healthy development of the children of divorce.

How Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Mississippi?

Mediation costs less than the traditional process. A traditional divorce – in which the negotiation takes place between two adversarial lawyers – can cost the couple on average $27,000 or more. Mediation can settle the issues often for substantially less cost and a fraction of the time. In mediated divorce, the parties determine how long the process will take. There is no waiting on a court docket with a mediator.

A Jackson divorce mediation attorney may be needed to finalize an agreement in court. However, with a mediated agreement, a party hands the attorney a specific job, instead of turning over his entire life to be picked apart in mounting billable hours. Every year, many couples finalize their own divorces without the assistance of an attorney. The Chinn & Associates mediated divorce process gives our clients the information to empower them to decide how involved an attorney needs to be in the process.

Personalized Solutions for Your Family

At Chinn & Associates, PC, we understand that every family is unique, and that's why we offer personalized mediation solutions to fit your specific needs. Our experienced mediators will work closely with you to understand your family dynamics, concerns, and goals, and tailor a mediation process that is sensitive to the needs of all parties involved.

Benefits of personalized family mediation include:

Customized solutions for your family's unique situation
Preservation of relationships and communication between family members
Emphasis on the best interests of children, if applicable
Control over the outcome, rather than leaving decisions to a judge
Confidential and private process, avoiding the public nature of court proceedings

Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody dispute, or other family conflict, our mediation services can provide a respectful and effective way to reach a resolution that works for everyone involved. Contact us today to learn more about how our personalized mediation approach can benefit your family.

Understanding the Mediation Process

Divorce mediation can be a less stressful and more cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. During the mediation process, a neutral third party, known as the mediator, helps facilitate communication and negotiation between the divorcing parties. This can lead to more amicable resolutions and agreements that are tailored to the specific needs and concerns of the family.

Some key aspects of the mediation process include:

Open and honest communication between both parties
Exploration of options and solutions that meet the needs of all involved
Control over the decision-making process, as opposed to a judge making decisions for you
Confidentiality and privacy, as mediation sessions are not public record

If you are considering divorce mediation, our experienced team at Chinn & Associates, PC can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options. Contact us today to learn more about how mediation can benefit your family during this challenging time.

How Long Does a Mediated Divorce Take?

While every case is different, you can expect your sessions to last approximately two to six months depending on the complexity of the issues at hand. Coming in with the right mindset and the willingness to comprise may reduce the amount of time needed significantly.

Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Options

Divorce mediation is just one option for resolving family law disputes outside of the courtroom. At Chinn & Associates, PC, we also offer collaborative law and arbitration services to help families find amicable solutions to their legal issues.

Collaborative law involves both parties and their attorneys working together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This process encourages open communication and cooperation, focusing on finding solutions that work for everyone involved.

Arbitration is a more formal process where a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, hears arguments from both sides and makes a binding decision. This can be a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation. Our experienced Jackson mediation attorneys can help you explore all of your options for resolving disputes and choose the best path forward for your unique situation.

When Is Divorce Mediation Right for Me?

Depending on the situation, mediation may be the right answer for your divorce. This may be true if:

You want to resolve divorce-related issues in a civilized and respectful manner.
You want to co-parent your children with your partner and want to preserve a friendly relationship to do so.
You want to protect your children from the stress of a litigated divorce.
You and your partner have family members and friends that you both want to stay connected with.
You want to maintain more control over decisions related to your divorce, including custody, support, and property division.
You want to be able to use more creative solutions to resolve all matters related to your divorce, rather than the limited arrangements that may be available through litigation, when decided upon by a judge.

Perhaps you are thinking, “This is fine for couples who agree, but my divorce is going to be a war.” Mediation is not just for people who agree on everything. Mediation removes much of the adversarial red tape that escalates the hostility involved in divorce. Mediation provides an even playing field for two parties to present their positions and maintain control of the outcome of the “war,” instead of letting attorneys and judges control the results of the fight. And if you can have the same fight for one-fourth of the cost in time and money, doesn’t it make sense?

We are among the best divorce mediation attorneys in Jackson and are ready to see how we can assist you. Contact Chinn & Associates today to get started!

Commonly Asked Questions

What is the objective of a divorce mediator?

The objectives of a divorce mediator are to complete divorce in an ordered and controlled process, avoid the cost and difficulty of litigation, tailor settlements to the needs of the parties and their children, foster a constructive resolution of issues that promote the family, and conduct the divorce process in a way that promotes the interests and rights and healthy development of the children of divorce.

How long does a mediated divorce take?

While every case is different, sessions can last approximately two to six months depending on the complexity of the issues at hand. Coming in with the right mindset and the willingness to compromise may reduce the amount of time needed significantly.

When is divorce mediation right for me?

Divorce mediation may be the right answer for your divorce if you want to resolve divorce-related issues in a civilized and respectful manner, co-parent your children with your partner and want to preserve a friendly relationship to do so, protect your children from the stress of a litigated divorce, want to maintain more control over decisions related to your divorce, including custody, support, and property division, and want to be able to use more creative solutions to resolve all matters related to your divorce.

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Founding Attorney Mark Chinn

Founder of Chinn & Associates, Mark A. Chinn is a seasoned Jackson, Mississippi family law attorney who has dedicated his career to helping clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives. He is dedicated to using his talent and experience to empower his clients to lead the lives they want to lead.

Our Testimonials

See How We've Helped Families Regain Their Strength

“Their expertise and knowledge made all the difference”
Mark and his team did a great job handling my tough situation. Their expertise and knowledge made all the difference and I am so thankful for each member of this law firm.

Mark
“Excellent Attorney and Legal Services”
Mr. Chinn and staff are very professional and knowledgeable. I was informed throughout the entire divorce process and I'm very pleased. My lawyer showed a deep understanding of my personal situation and demonstrated empathy throughout the entire process. This helped me tremendously to get through this difficult situation. I highly recommend this law firm.

Shandler
“Thank you, Counsel, for being great at your job”
Trial day 2 today. Looking forward to work (which I rarely say in chancery court) but working with three of the best who make a beautiful, awesome, clean record. My reporter friends all get it. Makes work a pleasure. Thank you, Counsel, for being great at your job and making mine great. (Mark Chinn, Esq.)

Unsolicited Post by a Court Reporter
“Excellent Family Law Attorney!”
I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service provided by Mark. From our initial consultation, it was clear that he had a deep understanding of family law and a genuine concern for my well-being. Mark was always available to answer my questions, provided clear and concise advice, and worked to ensure the best possible outcome for my case. His strategic approach and attention to detail were truly impressive, and his support helped me stay calm and focused during a very challenging time. I highly recommend Mark Chinn to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and compassionate divorce attorney.

Anonymous
“Janeah you are unstoppable!!!!”
Thank you guys and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. The strategy and pressure worked. And the amount of work from you guys was above and beyond. Janeah you are unstoppable!!!! I’m more than happy with the agreement also. The constant contact with you guys and timely responses back to my questions really helped when things would get nasty. Helped me to stay smart and strategic instead of panic. But thanks again for everything

Joel D.
“Chinn & Associates will be my first choice”
When I found myself needing a divorce lawyer, my first and only call was to Chinn & Associates. From the onset, Mark told me not to worry, he had my back. It is pretty much impossible for me to not worry, but Mark was correct, he had my back. He and his staff were always prepared and kept me informed of what I needed to know. Janeah was an angel with a big sword, especially during the mediation process, working passionately to get me the best possible result. Mark and Janeah guided me through one of the most difficult and uncomfortable periods of my life, and I will be forever grateful for their hard work and support. While I hope I never need their services again, if I do find myself in this situation again Chinn & Associates will be my first choice for representation.

Abbey M.
“I definitely recommend Chinn & Associates”
Great customer service and very kind. They also worked quickly to take care of my issue. I definitely recommend Chinn & Associates.

Anonymous
“He was a steady voice of reason during an emotional time”
I highly recommend Mark. He brings decades of experience and highly credible counsel. He was a steady voice of reason during an emotional time for my family. He stays close to his clients and is quick to respond. I always knew he was "on it." He partnered with my family to the very end of what turned out to be a longer than expected process. The outcome was worth the wait. I can't recommend him highly enough.

Anonymous

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