Divorce can be complex and emotional, 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.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation
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.
1. You control the outcome.
You and your spouse, not the court, decide the terms of your agreement. Therefore, important decisions about your children, finances, and future are not in the hands of a judge 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.
2. Mediation is less adversarial than litigation.
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.
Read: What Is a Non-Adversarial Divorce?
3. Your children are more 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.
Read: Telling the Children About Divorce and How Collaboration and Mediation Might Help
4. There is greater confidentiality involved.
Most communications and documents associated with the mediation process are private. Your meetings with the mediator, whether in person or virtual, are also personal matters, unlike litigation carried out in a public courtroom.
Read: How Do I Protect My Privacy During a Divorce?
5. Post-divorce stability is stronger.
During mediation sessions, you and your spouse must communicate effectively and show respect for one another as you work toward a consensus on essential issues. This ability to cooperate will positively impact your future co-parenting skills, which can only benefit your children.
Read: What Is Mediation in Divorce?
6. There is faster resolution.
Instead of waiting for a court hearing date, many spouses can resolve their issues and settle more efficiently. As a result, you will both be free to move on with your lives more quickly.
Read: What Is an Amicable Divorce?
Is Mediation an Option for Your Divorce?
If you and your spouse are willing to work together, mediation could be a good 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 critical divorce-related issues in a supportive and non-confrontational environment: please call us today to learn more.
