Divorce Mediation: What You Need to Know
Over 90% of Americans will get married by the time they reach age 50. However, it isn’t a lifetime bliss for that many, 40 to 50% of people end up getting a divorce. For those who are on their second, third, or fourth marriage, the divorce rate is even higher.
Not all divorces need to end in a blood bath in the courts. A much more cost and time effective option is divorce mediation.
If you are in an unhappy marriage and ready to leave, keep reading to find out if divorce mediation is a good option for you.
Table of Contents
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is when both parties agree to resolve their dispute through a face to face meeting instead of going to court. A trained conflict resolution specialist will attend the meeting known as a mediator.
With the help of this third party, you and your spouse will negotiate the terms of your divorce. This allows you and your soon to be ex to stay in control of the terms of your divorce.
What Terms Can Be Mediated?
Standard terms that couples negotiate in mediation pertain to their children and the separation of assets. This ensures that the best interest of the children remains the priority and in the forefront of everyone’s mind.
Here is a list of different terms that you can negotiate in your divorce mediation:
- Divorce and separation
- Property settlements
- Partnership dissolution
- Cohabitation agreements
- Marital agreements
- Spousal support
- Child support
- Co-parenting arrangements
- Child custody and access
If you have a question about possible terms and whether they can be mediated the best thing to do is search, divorce mediator near me. A local mediator can explain the laws of your jurisdiction and how it applies to your specific situation.
Mediation Process
The process of divorce mediation begins with introductory remarks. This is where each party states their goals.
Then each party gets to tell their side of the situation. You will need to remain calm and try not to interrupt; each side gets to tell their story as they see it uninterrupted.
Once both sides have had a chance to state their problem, the mediator will begin asking questions. The goal of the mediator is to find the root of the problem to identify which issues can be mediated.
The mediator will present a couple of different options to the parties. The goal is to find a middle ground that will give each side something that they want. Sometimes private meetings with the mediator are necessary to help move things along.
Eventually, the two parties should reach an agreement. This gets memorialized in writing.
Choose Divorce Mediation
By deciding to go through divorce mediation, you will save yourself and your soon to be ex a lot of time, money, and frustration. You can also retain more control over the terms of the divorce and your future.
Check out our blog for more advice and guidance on your family and legal needs.