Mediation is one of the most frequently used ways to negotiate a divorce settlement. Mediation is about you and your spouse and a third neutral party – the mediator. A mediator does not work for either party, but is there to guide you through the divorce process.
Mediation offers many benefits when compared to traditional divorce processes, which will many times take you through the court system. Mediation can save you time and money.
It is much less expensive than a trial or a series of hearings. It usually settles all issues in your divorce, such as distribution of property, child custody, retirement and tax issues. You and your spouse will control the process instead of the courts doing so. And, the process is confidential with no public record of what happens in your sessions.
A mediator will help you work out agreements on all of these issues. When you and your soon-to-be ex spouse are having trouble negotiating, that is when the mediator will intervene. It is the mediators job to keep lines of communication open and to assist you in the decision-making process. A mediator will help keep you focused on the issues at hand.
Mediation allows you and your spouse to decide what is best for your family when making such life-changing decisions. It can be especially helpful when there are children involved. Lack of communication is one of the biggest reasons for divorce. Being able to communicate about your children post-divorce is most important.
Mediation is voluntary and continues for only as long as you, your spouse, and the mediator all agree. There is no set time table during which to resolve all of your issues, and sessions may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. You will decide what is best in your case.
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