Mediation is not for everyone. The former Chicago Bulls standout and the reality television star surprised almost everyone when their lawyers asked a Fort Lauderdale judge to postpone the case and give the two a chance to reconcile.
In October of 2016, Mr. Pippen filed for divorce, alleging irreconcilable differences. At the time, rumors were circulating that Ms. Pippen was involved with hip-hop artist Future. In the pleadings, Mr. Pippen asked the court to overturn a previous marital agreement. Then, shortly before a highly-charged preliminary hearing was to begin in June of 2017, attorneys for the pair mutually requested a two-month postponement. Jorge Cestero, Ms. Pippen’s counsel, remarked that “hopefully” the two would reconcile. On the other side, Mr. Pippen’s attorney sounded even more optimistic. “We don’t think there’ll be any action coming soon,” he remarked.
Ms. Pippen and Future were never conclusively linked, and the singer has now apparently moved on from whatever relationship the two may have had, as he is planning a major European tour this fall.
Complete Divorce Reconciliation
Although every case is different, most divorces come about after a sudden traumatic incident, like an affair or an assault, or after the cumulative effect of relatively minor disagreements. Complete divorce reconciliation almost never happens in the latter instances, and it is slightly more common, though still very rare, in the former cases.
In reconciliation cases, attorneys must continue to press the issue even if the parties try to make up, or else the case may be dismissed for want of prosecution (DWOPed). If there is no activity for several weeks or months, most courts begin a dismissal process. Unless the attorney gives the judge a good reason to keep the case on the docket, and a pending reconciliation is a good reason, the judge will dismiss the case, and if the attempted reconciliation falls through, the parties must start over from the beginning.
Partial Reconciliation
While complete reconciliation is almost unheard of, partial reconciliation is actually rather common. The parties still want a divorce, but because their anger has subsided, they are tired of high legal bills, or for some either reason, both parties desire a more graceful end.
Mediation is often a good option in these situations. In 2016, voluntary mediation had a 76% success rate and resulted in a savings of about $70 million in attorneys’ fees. But perhaps most importantly for couples looking to avoid an emotional showdown, mediation is private. There is no court reporter and most mediations are not open to the public. Once the session begins, after each side gives a short opening statement, the parties usually retire to separate rooms to begin settlement negotiations, so the environment is low key.
In addition to the decreased costs and increased civility, mediation allows parties to retain control over the process, which may increase voluntary compliance with the terms of the divorce.
Connect with Experienced Attorneys
Divorce cases do not always end in emotionally-charged separations. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal law attorney in Schaumburg, contact Glasgow & Olsson.
(image courtesy of Wesley TIngey)