How binding is a mediation agreement

[akl818]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota

Earlier this month my wife and I met with mediator over our divorce. I let my emotions get the best of me and signed the agreement but Im having second thoughts about it. We have not signed any final papers or gone before the judge. We agreed to joint physical custody. According to the mediator the child support quidelines would create a situation where we would be paying each other almost the same amount. However, she was all crying and hysterical claiming that she was unable to feed the children and might lose the house. If that happened she would likely move back to Iowa and take my daughter and step kids with. I do not want to be a weekend dad to my daughter, so I agreed to pay her a certain amount each month. I have to take on a part time job in order to fulfill, what I agreed to pay.

My question is, what happens if I refuse to sign the formal agreements unless the child support is taken out of the agreement? Im not trying to be cheap here, I see my daughter everyday, feed her almost everyday, buy her clothes and other items. I just dont want to be giving her mom money so she can blow it on her and her new boyfriend.

 

[CALIF-PRO36]

What is the name of your state? Minnesota

Earlier this month my wife and I met with mediator over our divorce. I let my emotions get the best of me and signed the agreement but Im having second thoughts about it. We have not signed any final papers or gone before the judge. We agreed to joint physical custody. According to the mediator the child support quidelines would create a situation where we would be paying each other almost the same amount. However, she was all crying and hysterical claiming that she was unable to feed the children and might lose the house. If that happened she would likely move back to Iowa and take my daughter and step kids with. I do not want to be a weekend dad to my daughter, so I agreed to pay her a certain amount each month. I have to take on a part time job in order to fulfill, what I agreed to pay.

My question is, what happens if I refuse to sign the formal agreements unless the child support is taken out of the agreement? Im not trying to be cheap here, I see my daughter everyday, feed her almost everyday, buy her clothes and other items. I just dont want to be giving her mom money so she can blow it on her and her new boyfriend.

My response:

Obviously, you do not know, or understand, the purpose of a Mediation agreement. The mediation takes the place of a full-blown trial, and puts to rest all issues that would otherwise be decided by the judge. Now that the Agreement is signed, the judge will now "incorporate" the agreement into his final orders. You don't have to sign anything esle. You agreed, and that's it. There's no going back.

The money is no longer yours. When you pay the money, it's hers, and she can do with it as she pleases. You don't get an "accounting." Next time, before you sign anything, use your head.

IAAL