Divorce mediation is a helpful tool for couples going through the divorce process but it is important for divorcing couples to understand. Couples may have questions about how the divorce mediation process works and what to expect from it.
Divorce mediation can help couples avoid litigation related to their divorce and avoid the downsides related to divorce litigation including the potential increased cost and acrimony associated with divorce litigation. In addition, divorce mediation allows divorcing couples more control over their divorce process and allows them to make decisions that are best for their family. The mediation process helps facilitate the resolution of divorce-related concerns including child custody, alimony, property division and other concerns.
A mediator serves as a neutral party to help facilitate and guide the divorce-related negotiations between the divorcing spouses. Knowing what to expect can be key. There will usually be a series of mediation sessions during which the mediator will provide both spouses time to speak and address their concerns and may ask clarifying questions to help the couple reach resolution of their concerns. The first meeting generally identifies issues of concern, the second or more meetings will work on compromises and once agreements are reached, the mediator will draft a mediation agreement for the couple to review and sign.
The decision to divorce can be a difficult one but once made, the mediation process can help couples resolve their divorce-related concerns and arrive at positive outcomes. The mediation process provides an option to keep a divorce out of court and can be generally more cost efficient, take less time and cause less aggravation which is why divorcing couples should carefully consider it as an option and understand how the process works.
