Sometimes going to court isn’t the best way to solve all of the issues facing a divorcing couple. There are alternative methods of dispute resolution, including divorce mediation. Our Dallas County divorce mediators can tell you more about how mediation works and when it can be used to settle disagreements in a divorce.
What Are the Steps in the Divorce Mediation Process?
When you get into your first divorce mediation session, the mediator is mostly going to want to establish the facts. What led to the divorce? What do the financial situations of you and your spouse look like? Which issues need to be settled here?
From there, the mediator acts as a neutral third party. They are not there to offer you legal advice. Instead, they strive to foster productive conversations about the disputes that need to be settled before you can finalize your divorce.
The mediator can make sure that both parties make themselves heard. This collaborative environment can help couples tackle complex topics and come to agreements on their own. This can be preferable to having a judge hand down a decision that neither of you are happy with.
How Can I Prepare For Divorce Mediation?
You have to be ready to talk in these sessions. That means putting aside your issues with your spouse and being ready to negotiate with them in good faith. If you are going to bring in negative emotions, this process is going to be far less effective and far more stressful.
It’s also good to have an idea of what you want. Your spouse probably has their own thoughts about how this can go. When you both know what you want you can try to discuss matters and come to a mutually agreeable solution.
Why Choose Divorce Mediation Over Other Dispute Resolution Methods?
Divorce mediation can offer a few advantages over traditional divorce litigation. Some benefits of going this route include:
Speed: Many issues can be solved quickly through mediation. There’s no waiting for a judge to be free or going through all of the formalities the court requires. You just sit down and talk things out.
Cost: Because it’s faster than litigation, this method can often end up being less expensive than litigation.
Confidentiality: Going to court creates a public record. Mediation sessions can be kept confidential.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
A lawyer will usually serve as the mediator during these sessions, but it can also be a good idea to have a lawyer of your own advising you. They would not come into the sessions, but they can offer you legal advice and help you look over any agreement before you sign it and it becomes legally binding.
Talk to an Attorney Today
So if you think that divorce mediation might be a good option for you and your spouse, contact Iowa Defenders. We can schedule a consultation for you and tell you more about this process.
