Divorcing your spouse doesn’t necessarily mean a courtroom battle. Some couples find divorce mediation offers a more cooperative way to resolve important issues and move forward.
Instead of having a judge decide every issue, mediation lets spouses negotiate an agreement with the help of a neutral third party (mediator). While divorce mediation may not be right for everyone, certain circumstances can make it a viable option for your situation.
1. You and your spouse are willing to communicate
Successful mediation requires both spouses to participate in the process. You don’t have to agree on everything, but you need to be willing to listen, communicate and negotiate.
A mediator can help keep discussions focused and productive. The primary goal of mediation is to identify areas of disagreement and work toward mutually acceptable solutions rather than allowing the court to make all the decisions.
2. You want more control over the outcome
No two families are the same, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In a litigated divorce, a judge may decide unresolved disputes without knowing your family’s unique needs. Mediation gives spouses more opportunity to develop their own solutions that work for their family.
3. You want to reduce conflict
Divorces can be stressful, so why add unnecessary conflict? If you and your spouse want to resolve your differences without an adversarial court battle, mediation may be a good alternative.
4. You have children and want to focus on co-parenting
If you and your spouse have children, your relationship doesn’t end just because you are divorcing. Co-parents need to keep communicating about the children’s schedules, education, activities and other important decisions for years to come.
Mediation can allow parents to work together on parenting-related issues and develop a child-focused parenting plan. Developing these arrangements together may also help establish good communication habits that can be useful long after the divorce is finalized.
If you are considering divorce, you don’t have to choose fighting over every issue in court. A legal professional can explain the mediation process, help you determine whether it fits your circumstances and give you a better understanding of your rights and options.