Mediation – Separation - Annulment

Alternatives to Divorce

How Mediation Works

Divorce is often known for conflict and adversarial conversations. Two spouses, backed by their aggressive lawyers, will fight it out over every last asset. While The Law Offices Of Michael D. Reynolds offers aggressive representation when it is necessary to uphold your rights, we believe in a cooperative approach. Mediation is one of the many methods we employ to provide strong, mutually-beneficial solutions.
Mediation is a legal proceeding where a neutral third party helps two other parties facilitate an agreement. Whether the agreement is the terms of a divorce, child custody, or alimony, our highly-skilled mediators are prepared to provide our services. Unlike a court proceeding, a mediator does not pass judgment or make a decision in any way. Their purpose is to help both sides come to an agreement that is best for everyone.

Good mediation is the result of two voluntary parties however; mediation is sometimes prescribed by the court. A mediator is legally required to take no side because the purpose of mediation is negotiation, not “winning.” The advantage of mediation is that it avoids the uncertainty of court decisions. Clients who cannot find a solution in mediation have the freedom to pursue other solutions. In contrast, once a court passes judgment, both parties must abide by the decision for better or worse.

At its core, mediation is constructive and cooperative. It is about rebuilding something better out of the marriage, rather than cutting it up and dividing the pieces. It can be a more pleasant experience, empowering two reasonable parties to reach an agreement that requires no judge to impose a court order. Good mediators ensure that the process is fair and unencumbered by adversarial posturing or aggression from either side.

At our firm, we employ certified and highly-trained mediators who genuinely believe in the power of mediation. Our mediators are experienced negotiators who can help you find the best solution possible, without fear of unfairness or imbalance. Our mediators genuinely seek the best results for both parties. Our passion for cooperation that preserves mental and emotional well-being expresses itself through our work.

If you are seeking a cooperative process during a divorce, let the mediation lawyers at The Law Offices of Michael D. Reynolds provide guidance. Contact our firm for more information.

Legal Separation

Divorce Attorney — Marriage rings on a Law Book in Columbus, GA
Legal separation is unique from divorce in that it does not terminate the marriage. A separation is when a married couple chooses to live separately, and they come to an arrangement by court order. The court order will usually determine similar concerns to a divorce agreement, such as:
  • Child custody / visitation
  • Property division
  • “Separation maintenance” (spousal support)
There are multiple types of separation. The most common type is a “trial separation,” a period wherein a couple will separate in order to decide if they want to divorce. Any property or assets acquired during the separation is usually regarded as the sole property of the individual rather than the marriage. It is always best to consult legal representation regarding specific questions of this kind.

Trial separations can be beneficial for spouses who want a smoother transition from marriage to divorce. Separation distances spouses from emotional situations that might otherwise cloud their judgement or incite hostility. Separation potentially allows for divorce proceedings to be less emotionally-charged, leading to peaceful, clear, and beneficial settlement.

Separation can also provide a temporary solution for couples who are unsure about divorce. Separation agreements are very similar to divorce agreements, but can be easily undone. It provides a way to see how divorce plays out without committing to a permanent termination.

At The Law Offices of Michael D. Reynolds, we are committed to processes that are simple, peaceful, and smooth. Our sensitive, compassionate divorce attorneys are highly-skilled and experienced in family law. We understand what makes a beneficial separation agreement, and how to help you achieve one. Our lawyers will listen to your specific needs and desires, devoting themselves entirely to achieving your goals during any hearings or negotiations.

If you are considering a trial separation, contact the family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Michael D. Reynolds. Put our experience to work for you by calling (706) 327-0911.

When Annulment is Right For You

In certain situations, a divorce may be undesirable for a married couple seeking to amicably part ways. Some faiths do not allow for divorce, while certain situations may make the legal existence of a marriage socially humiliating or distressing. In these cases, an annulment may be the best alternative to a divorce.
While an annulment and a divorce both terminate a marriage, they accomplish this in very different ways. A divorce will end a marriage through a legal termination—an annulment is a legal action that erases the marriage, treating it like it never existed. This is clearly a far more drastic solution, but it is designed that way.
Because it is so drastic, annulment must be legally justified (unlike divorce). Many annulments are granted on the grounds that there was crucial information that was undisclosed until after the couple was married. The reasons for annulments are fairly broad, but usually involve some kind of deception or extreme ignorance.
Grounds for annulment include:
  • Fraud / misrepresentation
  • Concealment of important information (e.g. sexually transmitted diseases)
  • Misunderstanding of intent (i.e. about whether either party can have children)
  • Lack of consent
  • Unwitting incest
  • Inability to consummate the marriage
  • Bigamy (or a previously unresolved marriage)
Annulment is usually accomplished within weeks or months of a marriage, so there is usually no property to divide or custody agreements to work out. As a result, annulments offer the advantage of not requiring the division of property, which is often the most difficult part of any divorce. Annulments are also usually the product of deeply-entrenched social stigmas, so sensitivity and privacy may be your most pressing concerns.
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