West Virginia Divorce Mediation

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    Experienced counsel saves you time, money and stress

    Many West Virginians engaged in family law disputes are discovering the advantages of mediation. Whether you need to develop a parenting plan or modify an existing plan, our experienced family law mediators can assist you without the stress and conflict of a family court trial. We can also assist with property division mediation in divorce cases.

    Court-ordered family law mediation in West Virginia

    Mediation is becoming a much more frequently used tool in West Virginia family law disputes. The family court system in West Virginia may order mediation when parents cannot agree on shared parenting responsibilities. 

    An exception to the mediation rule is allowed for cases where there is a history of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, substance abuse, mental illness, or a significant power imbalance.

    Why you should choose an attorney as your family law mediator

    In West Virginia, there is no requirement that a family law mediator is an attorney. That means the person advising you on a settlement of your divorce other family law issues may have no idea about the legal implications of the agreement. A mediator needs only to meet these minimum requirements set by the family court:

    • Have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university
    • Complete a 40-hour family mediation course approved by the Supreme Court
    • Complete two observations of family court mediations
    • Complete three co-mediations with experienced family court mediators
    • Carry professional liability insurance
    • Agree to complete 12 hours of family court mediator continuing education every two years

    So, any college graduate can become a family law mediator in a few short months. Knowing that you’ll want to have an attorney read the proposed agreement and alert you to potential problems before you sign. 

    Wouldn’t it be much more efficient to have an experienced attorney as your mediator in the first place? An experienced lawyer can:

    • Evaluate your options
    • Give unbiased legal advice
    • Predict outcomes and costs
    • Review agreements
    • Prepare court documents

    When you hire a divorce mediation attorney as your mediator, you get a more complete package of services, leading to a quicker, more cost-effective outcome.

    Contact our West Virginia law firm for family law mediation services today

    If you are considering mediation for a divorce or other family law issue, make sure your mediator is also an experienced family law attorney. Kaufman & McPherson, PLLC has attorney mediators with years of experience helping people just like you. Call us at 304-842-4300 or contact our firm online to schedule a consultation.

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    About the Author

    Kevin Kaufman
    Kevin Kaufman

    Kevin S. Kaufman is a 1977 graduate of Bridgeport High School, where he received a National Merit Scholarship, a Consolidated Natural Gas Company full scholarship, and a West Virginia Achievement scholarship. Mr. Kaufman completed his education at West Virginia University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, an MBA, and his law degree.

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