Is Divorce Mediation Always Appropriate?
The courts are not the only avenue for discussing your divorce and negotiating agreements for important topics like child custody or alimony. The process of divorce mediation can also help many couples settle many of the critical issues that need to be decided upon before a divorce can be finalized. It is not right for every couple though. Here is what you should know about Chatham divorce mediation before you try to use it to negotiate some of the key tenets of your divorce agreement.
What is Needed for a Successful Divorce Mediation Session?
A productive session requires a couple that is willing and able to negotiate with each other on a level playing field. If there is some kind of significant power imbalance in the relationship, mediation is unlikely to be as effective. So it is often not recommended when there is a history of domestic violence that could cause one partner to be hesitant to voice their desires in a session. This method can also be less useful when one person has done something that can make their spouse less likely to trust them, like hiding assets.
If you have a willing couple that is a good fit for mediation, then you just need a mediator. They can act as a neutral party that can help the couple come to agreements on important issues.
What Kinds of Issues Can Be Handled Through Mediation?
Mediation can be used to get you and your spouse closer to agreeing on specific issues. At these sessions, you will probably end up talking about:
- The division of marital property
- Child support
- Child custody and visitation schedule
- Who pays alimony and how long it lasts for
You and your spouse might be starting far apart on some of these topics. The goal of a mediation session is to get you closer to acceptable compromises. Once you do that, you can move on to the next phase of the divorce and, eventually, the next phase of your life.
It is also important to note that mediation can actually be used after your divorce has been finalized. Life circumstances change, and sometimes that means that you or your former spouse will want to change something about the agreements you made when you divorced. Whether the issue is alimony or child visitation, there is probably something that can be done through this process.
Does Divorce Mediation Cost Money?
The divorce mediation process does cost money. Each session costs money, and how much money it costs can depend on the mediator. However, if mediation is an effective method for negotiating with your spouse, the cost could be well worth it. You can get a lot done in these sessions, and that can mean that there is less to do in court later. Litigation and lawyer fees can get costly, so the more successful mediation is the better.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Family Lawyers
Our attorneys are experienced at helping our clients through the mediation process, but both are also qualified mediators themselves. So whether you are looking to start the divorce process or you are in need of a mediator, our law firm can help you. Contact Lazor Rantas, PC today.
