I Have a Mediation Next Week, but I don’t Have an Attorney. What Should I Do?

So, you have mediation next week (or tomorrow) and you don’t have an attorney. Heck, you have mediation next week and you don’t even know what mediation is or how it works. Don’t worry. This happens more often than you think.

You can deal with this in a couple ways: (1) attend mediation alone, (2) hire an attorney to go with you. People usually choose option (1) because they don’t have money to pay for an attorney. If that’s your situation, that’s okay. Here are a few things you will want to do or keep in mind before mediation:

  1. Review this letter that explains how mediation works, as well as this our mediation FAQs. Knowledge is power.
  2. Google your mediator to see who he or she is. If you know a little bit about your mediator, you’ll feel more comfortable during mediation.
  3. Review the pleadings that have been filed so far in your case, especially the Financial Declarations. If you don’t know what a Financial Declaration is, read here. Financial Declarations are how you determine child support and alimony, as well as asset and debt division. Financial Declarations are the most important documents in Utah divorces and child custody cases.
  4. If you haven’t completed a Financial Declaration, sit down now and fill it out. (If you need one, click here.) It will take you some time, but get all the documents together and get it done. Once it’s done, make a copy and send it to the other party or the attorney. If you don’t complete a Financial Declaration, you will be flying blind. You’ll be at the other party’s mercy because they will have facts and figures — and you won’t.
  5. Keep this in mind: you don’t have to agree to anything. You can always walk away from mediation if you feel like you aren’t getting a good deal.
  6. Unless you’re sure about the agreement you negotiated, don’t sign. If you sign an agreement (usually called “stipulation”) in mediation, you will be bound by it. Assume you can’t change anything after mediation.

If you would feel more comfortable with an attorney, find one you trust. And make sure it’s an attorney who does primarily family law, preferably one who only takes only divorce and child custody cases. And don’t worry; you’ll be able to find a good attorney who will go to mediation with you.

Whatever you choose, be as prepared as possible for mediation. It will pay off.

Published On: December 31st, 2015Categories: Divorce LawyerComments Off on I Have a Mediation Next Week, but I don’t Have an Attorney. What Should I Do?
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
About the Author: Marco Brown
6d8a23cf114c43e68fc064216eff550b?s=72&d=mm&r=g
Marco C. Brown was named Utah’s Outstanding Family Law Lawyer of the Year in 2015. He graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2007 and is currently the managing partner of Brown Family Law, LLC.
Contact Us – We Are Here to Help You

Schedule a time to talk with us – we are here to help you. When you meet with your attorney, we will go over your entire case, your children, your money and everything else that’s important to you. Our goal is to remove the fear associated with divorce by protecting your money and maximizing your time with your kids, all within 3-6 months. We look forward to meeting with you!

Call us 24/7 at 801-685-9999 to Speak with a Live Representative
Get A Legal Consultation With An Experienced Utah Attorney
Your privacy is 100% guaranteed, your information will never be sold or shared.

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute divorce advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific divorce issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a divorce consultation with an attorney, please call or complete the intake form above.

The use of the Internet (or this form) for communication with the firm (or any individual member of the firm) does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.