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Last Modified on Sep 22, 2025
Facing divorce in Louisiana is overwhelming and stressful. There are various issues that need to be resolved, and you may feel intimidated by the costs involved. Thankfully, there are options available outside of expensive and lengthy litigation. For families residing in Lafayette Parish or those who call Vermilion Parish home, understanding the differences between a divorce settlement conference vs mediation in Louisiana is important.
Laura L. Davenport, LLC: Serving Families Facing Divorce in Louisiana
For decades, the team at Laura L. Davenport, LLC, has been serving Louisianans, particularly those residing in Vermilion Parish, Lafayette Parish, or Acadia Parish. Now, we turn our attention to you. With extensive experience, our team knows exactly how to address divorce settlement conferences and mediation. Our firm helps ensure that your rights and interests are protected while also moving the process along as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.
Defining a Divorce Settlement Conference in LA
While Louisiana has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, at just 0.7 cases per every 1,000 residents, marriages still break down every day. When they do, the couple has various options for attempting to finalize their divorce. One of these options is a divorce settlement conference. This conference is a meeting between the divorcing parties in order to reach an agreeable settlement that is mutually fair.
Divorce settlement conferences can either be entered into voluntarily or ordered by the court. The main difference here is that a conference ordered by the court is mandatory, while the other is not. During this conference, each spouse has the opportunity to share their position and thoughts regarding various divorce issues, such as child support, child custody, or property division. The conference continues with the other parties present until a settlement is agreed upon.
Defining Mediation for a Louisiana Divorce
Mediation in Louisiana is a voluntary process. A third party, known as the mediator, works together with the divorcing couple with the goal of reaching a resolution. The mediator works to help the couple negotiate, communicate, and problem solve, while the couple’s attorneys work to ensure their respective rights and interests are protected.
During successful mediation, the spouses work together to agree on solutions to issues like child support, property division, child custody, and alimony that work for everyone involved. Your mediator doesn’t make decisions for you, but they are available to help you communicate with your spouse and uncover common ground on which decisions can be made amicably. One study states that men typically receive better monetary outcomes through mediation.
The Key Differences Between Mediation and Settlement Conferences That You Should Be Aware of
When trying to decide whether mediation or a settlement conference is right for you, you should be aware of the key differences. These differences include:
- Court-ordered vs. voluntary. While mediation is a voluntary process that must be agreed to by all involved parties, settlement conferences can be ordered by the court if both spouses do not participate voluntarily.
- Neutral party’s role. In a settlement conference, while a mediator can be present, they are not required to be there to facilitate the conversation. However, in mediation, a mediator’s presence is required to help the couple reach a resolution.
- Power to make decisions. When seeking divorce through a settlement conference, the outcome is typically based on your and your spouse’s ability to communicate effectively with one another. On the other hand, in mediation, controlling how the conversations progress is up to the mediator.
- Informal vs. formal. Mediation tends to be less formal, which allows for more flexibility for both parties. A settlement conference retains more formality due to the need for legal involvement.
FAQs
What Are the Advantages of a Divorce Settlement Conference?
Handling your divorce through a settlement conference can have many advantages. These advantages include:
- Privacy. Handling your divorce through a settlement conference rather than through litigation tends to keep the proceedings off the public record.
- Monetary security. A divorce settlement conference is often much more affordable than court litigation.
- Control. You can have more control over your case outcome with a settlement.
When Should Mediation Be Used?
Typically, mediation should be used when the involved parties have a communicative relationship or in cases where the parties hope to maintain some control over the outcome of their case. Mediation may also be used if the couple hopes to keep a sense of privacy over their divorce and the resulting outcome, as litigation in court usually becomes public record.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the average cost for a divorce is roughly $6,705. However, when a case proceeds to courtroom litigation, costs can exceed that number by a significant amount. In a litigation scenario, not only do you have to pay the typical divorce fees, but you may also need to pay continuing court costs and the fees of your attorney. In litigation, only your attorney truly wins, which is why mediation or settlement conferences can be a better option.
What Are the Benefits of Divorce Mediation?
When it comes to divorce mediation, there are several benefits. First, the mediator assigned to your case cannot take sides or advocate for one party over another, which ensures that all resolutions are fair and do not favor one party. Additionally, there is less pressure in mediation to reach a settlement on the same day, and sessions of mediation can be resolved more quickly.
Hire a Divorce Settlement Conference Lawyer Today by Calling Laura L. Davenport, LLC
Laura L. Davenport, LLC, is here to review your case and help determine whether a divorce settlement conference or mediation is right for you. Our firm understands that no matter what, divorce is complicated, and you deserve a legal advocate who is there to protect your rights . If you have questions regarding mediation, settlement conferences, or divorce in general, contact our offices and hire a skilled divorce settlement conference lawyer today.
