If you have decided to end your marriage, you may feel like you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are on two separate sides of a battlefield. Even though your marriage has been acrimonious, your divorce does not have to be an all-out war.
With divorce mediation, you and your husband or wife seek solutions to divorce-related matters, such as property division, spousal support or child custody. If you opt for mediation, you work with a neutral third-party professional who does not take either your side or your spouse’s.
Communication facilitation
Even though they were once in love, divorcing spouses often find it difficult to talk to each other without fighting. An experienced mediator knows how to facilitate communication between even the most bitter spouses. Your mediator may use a variety of techniques to help you put your emotions aside and focus on resolving problems.
Guidance
You and your spouse may have little idea how to wrap up your marriage. When you collaborate with a divorce mediator, you receive some useful guidance. That is, the mediator may recommend solutions that work for both you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse. During mediation, though, the final decision on divorce-related issues belongs to you and your spouse.
Resolution
If you want to explore divorce mediation, you do not have to go through the process alone, as you can have legal counsel to advocate for your interests and help you understand your options. While the mediator must remain neutral, your attorney has an ethical duty to be on your side.
While divorce mediation is not appropriate for every divorce, it may allow you to end your marriage without suffering additional emotional harm. Ultimately, because the mediator is on no one’s side, he or she may offer the fresh set of eyes you need to reach a settlement.