Utilizing mediation during the divorce process can help divorcing couples address a variety of important divorce-related issues. The mediation process allows divorcing couples to determine what is best for their family and children and reach outcomes according that reflect that. Mediation provides an alternative to divorce court that allows couples to resolve their concerns in a more friendly, efficient and cost-effective manner.
The option of divorce court is always available to help couples that cannot work out divorce-related concerns amongst themselves but family law mediation provides a helpful alternative to resolve many issues. Divorce-related issues couples may be able to address and resolve during the divorce mediation process include distribution of property; child custody and co-parenting agreements; child support; alimony; retirement; and other concerns.
The role of the mediator is to guide the couple and it is helpful to keep in mind that the mediation process is a confidential process unlike the public nature of the traditional divorce process. While the length of the divorce process always depends on the number and nature of the divorce-related concerns and issues the divorcing couple has to resolve, mediation can generally resolve a divorce more quickly which also results in less cost and acrimony between the divorcing couple.
The mediation process can have benefits for divorcing couples with children by keeping the process private and less public and by creating a more peaceful divorce process. Divorcing couples have many decisions to make and deciding to mediate can be a helpful decision for couples to consider and make at the outset of their divorce.
Source: Mediate.com, “What is Divorce Mediation?” Brian James, Accessed April 11, 2018
