Many people use mediation to settle their divorce, as it can be less stressful than going to court. It may also be less expensive, but there are some things you should know before you choose that option. If you want mediation to work for you, or if you aren’t sure if it’s right for you, it’s best to have the facts before you agree to it. Here’s what you should consider, and what some divorce mediation expectations are.
It is Completely Confidential
Everything said in mediation is kept confidential, so there won’t be a public record of the things that go on in your sessions. Anything you agree to, and which becomes a part of your divorce decree, will be public. But that is the case with divorce, and would still occur if you chose a route other than mediation, such as going to court.
You Can Both Agree on What is Fair
Instead of having a judge listen to both sides and make a determination of what’s fair, you and your spouse can work toward an agreement both of you can accept. In many cases, that can leave you both feeling as though you were treated fairly, and you got the most from your time working things out with a neutral, third party. That can help get your divorce mediation expectations met, and reduce animosity throughout the process of splitting up.
Working With an Attorney is Allowed
You don’t have to give up working with an attorney if you don’t want to. It’s entirely acceptable to have an attorney present when you go to mediation, and your spouse can do the same. That way you still have legal counsel, and all your rights and best interests will be protected. But you can reduce the costs of your divorce, its stress levels, and perhaps the length of time it takes to finalize it, as well.
It May Help Reduce Future Conflict
As you and your spouse move through mediation, you have the opportunity to work together to solve issues surrounding money, children, pets, housing, and other areas of life. The more you do this successfully during your divorce, the more you may be able to carry that skill over to future interactions. That can reduce problems when you need to work out issues as your children grow up or other factors come into play that tie you together in some way.
Mediation is Not Right for Everyone
With the right divorce mediation expectations, you’ll have a better chance of working through the process effectively. But it’s important to remember that this type of interaction isn’t for everyone. If there are domestic abuse issues or other serious problems in your marriage, you may not want to participate in mediation. It may also not be safe for you to do so. With the advice of your attorney, you can decide whether mediation would be right for your needs.
Knowing what to expect when you consider mediation for your divorce can make that decision much easier. Work with your attorney and your spouse, to see if sitting down with a mediator could be the key to solving many of the problems you’re facing in your divorce proceedings. If mediation fails you can always move on to the court, but in many cases that becomes unnecessary, saving you time, stress, and money in the long run.
If you have any questions about what to expect in divorce mediation, you can request an appointment or give us a call at (210) 417-4930.
