Going through a divorce can be extremely stressful, even in the best circumstances.
One option that family divorce law firms may suggest for some spouses is mediation as opposed to going to court.
Mediation with the help of family divorce lawyers and a skilled mediator is a more peaceful and less stressful alternative than going to court, but it is not for everyone.
Consider the points below to decide whether mediation with your family divorce attorney is for you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation usually involves the two spouses, each with their representing family divorce attorney and a neutral third party acting as the mediator.
The goal of this arrangement is to give each side a chance to state their ideas, concerns, and preferred decisions so that spouses can negotiate toward a solution that is equally acceptable to both people.
When successful, mediation allows the spouses and their divorce lawyers to come up with a valid agreement to present to the court for approval without having to go through the time, expense, and inconvenience of going to court.
Will Both Spouses Cooperate and Compromise?
Are you and your spouse willing to actually compromise? Mediation is all about compromise and negotiation.
Family divorce attorneys advise that it is perfect for couples able to see things from the other side and who are willing to give some to get some, rather than force the court to make decisions for them.
It works well for those who are able to listen to each other’s ideas and those presented by the mediator and meet in the middle on the key decisions that must be made.
Can Both Spouses Commit to Working With A Mediator?
According to family divorce lawyers, whether decisions involve finances, assets, custody, or something else, each spouse must commit to working together and allowing the mediator to guide the conversation to help come up with your own acceptable resolutions.
Each spouse must also be able to follow the ground rules set by the mediator in order to keep the negotiations productive and not turning into an endless circle.
Will Mediation Work For You?
Mediation through a family divorce law firm can work for many people; unfortunately, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone.
If you or your spouse are simply unable to compromise to the point necessary for creating an agreement that the court will approve, you may end up in court anyway.
Yet in most cases, there is nothing to lose by trying mediation if you both at least have the desire to try to stay out of court.
With the help of an experienced divorce attorney and a good mediator, hopefully you can find success this way and simplify your divorce process.