Divorce?can be a difficult and emotional process, but contrary to what television would have you believe, it doesn’t have to be contentious. While?litigation?is necessary in some circumstances, for many couples,?mediation?is an effective alternative that allows you and your spouse to reach your own agreement.
In divorce mediation, a neutral mediator assists a divorcing couple in arriving at a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. It is non-adversarial, emphasizes cooperative problem solving, and gives you more control over the issues that matter most, such as child custody and division of marital assets.
Here are six key benefits of divorce mediation, and how they can help you and your spouse maintain an attitude of cooperation both during and after the divorce.
- You control the outcome.?You and your spouse, not the court, decide the terms of your agreement. Important decisions about your children, your finances, and your future are not in the hands of a judge who is unfamiliar with your family dynamics.?Here are some tips on?How To Prepare For Your First Mediation Session, many of which speak to this point.
- It is less adversarial.?Mediation focuses on creative and cooperative problem solving and addresses everyone’s needs. Any issues are resolved by communicating instead of arguing. By working as a team, you and your spouse have a stronger chance of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement.
- Your children are protected from conflict.?Mediation is a non-adversarial process, so your children are not exposed to tension, verbal attacks, and other signs of conflict between their parents. They are also not required to appear in court or be interviewed by strangers. Divorce mediators help you both focus on your children’s needs as you reach a custody agreement.
- There is greater confidentiality involved.?All communications and documents associated with the mediation process are privileged and confidential. Your meetings with the mediator are also private matters, unlike litigation carried out in a public courtroom.
- Post-divorce stability is stronger.?During mediation sessions, you and your spouse are required to communicate effectively and show respect for one another as you work toward a consensus on important issues. This ability to cooperate will have a positive impact on your future co-parenting skills, which can only benefit your children.
- There is faster resolution.?Instead of having to wait for a court hearing date, many spouses are able to resolve their issues and reach an accord more efficiently. You will both be free to move on with your lives more quickly.
If you and your spouse are willing to work together, mediation could be the right way for you to end the marriage amicably and get what you each require to move forward.?The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Freed Marcroft can help you address important divorce-related issues in a supportive and non-confrontational environment: please call us today to learn more.
