Will Mediation Make My Divorce Go More Smoothly?

June 26, 2018  |  Elizabeth A. Schading

When people get married, they aren’t planning for divorce. When a divorce does happen, it can be confusing and upsetting. In fact, a divorce is one of the toughest things you can go through, especially when there are children involved.
 
So, when it comes to considering the divorce from a legal standpoint, you will be thinking about all of your options. You may want to resolve things amicably and as fast as possible, but this is not always the case. You may think that litigation is the only path you can go down to finalize your divorce, but there are other options that are open to you. These options can help you save money on your divorce as well. This includes mediation.
 
So, let’s have a closer look at mediation and see if this will suit your particular needs. This is a process where you can enter discussion and negotiation with your former partner to reach a divorce settlement that will suit both of you. It is less like a competition, which can happen at litigation; it is more about working together to reach a solution. There is a neutral third party called the mediator who will guide you and help you when you need it. In addition, you can bring a divorce attorney along to mediation.
 
One of the biggest issues in divorces is parenting time. The good thing about mediation is that it can stop people from getting hurt in litigation. In other words, you have the chance to talk with your former partner about the best arrangements for the children, such as devising a parenting schedule; who will have the children on holidays; and agreements on child support. It is about discussion and coming up with solutions rather than fighting it out. The mediator will guide you through the process but will allow you the freedom and control to communicate with your former partner.
 
In addition, mediation can be faster and less expensive depending on the couple’s negotiations. But, the best part about mediation is the fact that you are in control of proceedings. If you can come to mediation with an open mind and the willingness to compromise with your former partner, the whole divorce proceeding can be a lot smoother. The mediator will explain the process before you begin to make you feel comfortable and statements made during mediation are confidential, which means you can talk freely without worrying about anything being recorded.
 
Again, you can have your divorce attorney with you during mediation for representation. But, this will be totally up to you and you are free to attend mediation yourself with just you and your former spouse, as well as the neutral mediator. This is something that you can discuss beforehand and it will depend on your individual circumstances and feelings to determine what will be the best for you.
 
Of course, you can still ask for legal advice from a family lawyer before, during and after mediation. With the help of a Divorce Attorney in Coon Rapids, you can look at your situation and see whether you want to choose mediation. With their experience and expertise, you can choose the best option that will suit your needs or you may choose a Barna, Guzy & Steffen attorney as your mediator.