Divorce mediation can be a civil and affordable way to end your marriage. Rather than antagonizing each other in court, you can instead opt for a dialog on how to pragmatically handle the separation. A skilled mediator can help you come together and find terms that you can both accept. Despite the benefits, however, some divorces are simply not a good fit for mediation. Here’s how to know if this is the right solution for you.
5 Signs Divorce Mediation Can Save You Money
- You aren’t in an abusive relationship: For the process to work you will need an open communication between both parties. If your relationship has a history of physical abuse, mediation may not be the best option for you. You don’t want to continually meet with a person who will try to torment or emotional manipulate you. In this case, you should talk to a traditional divorce attorney.
- You know how to assert your needs: You will need to assert you needs to make a mediation successful if you do not plan on having an attorney with you in mediation. Otherwise, you risk not getting heard. A good mediator will try to reach a fair agreement, but to a certain extend you will have to do your own communicating. In court, your attorney will do most of the arguing on your behalf. You don’t need to be a skilled orator, but it’s important that you can express your needs.
- You are on good enough terms to listen to each other: Of course, the marriage is likely ending with good reason, but you and your spouse will have to talk to each other if mediation is going to work. If your relationship has become so antagonistic that every interaction becomes an emotional battle, mediation may be a struggle (although still might be worth a try.)
- You trust your spouse not to hide assets: If you don’t trust your spouse to be honest about assets, you will have to hire a professional to do some defective work. Mediation still may be a good choice, but it might diminish the cost benefits. The process works best with relatively honest communication between both parties.
- It matches your unique needs: Only you know the nature of your particular relationship. If you have the feeling you could go through every rational arrangement and never come to an agreement, then it might not be a good idea. On the other hand, if you and your ex have a history of making tough decision together, a mediation might be a great way to avoid conflict and expensive legal fees.
Mediation is a great alternative to more traditional divorce methods. It can save you money, avoid animosity and be easier on children. If you think that this may be the right option for you, you should speak with divorce attorney who has experience in divorce mediation.
JulianJohnson, P.C. is a firm of Lewisville divorce lawyers with experience in issues such as divorce mediation, child custody and other family law matters.
