DIVORCE mediation is a good alternative to court litigation to resolve disputes between divorcing spouses. A mediator, an impartial third party, helps you work through the issues of divorce in an effort to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. This voluntary process may allow you to retain control over the outcome of your divorce.

What Does A Mediator Do?
The mediator helps identify and guide you through issues that need to be resolved. As a neutral party, the mediator helps keep negotiations flowing in order to reach an agreeable resolution for you and your spouse.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Mediator?
Using a mediator has several advantages. The divorce process is likely to be less adversarial, time-consuming and costly than a courtroom battle, in addition to being more confidential.

You also have more control over the process, as open communication and finding agreement are encouraged. Resolving your differences in this way also increases the likelihood of future cooperation, an important factor if children are involved.

What Issues Can A Mediator Help Us Resolve?
Mediators can help couples reach agreement on parenting arrangements, parenting plans, spousal support, and any number of asset issues.

While a mediator can help in many areas, not all issues have to be settled in mediation. You still have the option of using court litigation for issues that can't be agreed upon in mediation. Both parties retain the right to walk away from mediation at any time and let the courts decide.

Do Mediators Replace Lawyers?
Mediation does not replace the need for legal counsel. A lawyer can help you prepare for negotiations, discuss the legal repercussions of the issues and answer your questions on how to proceed. Your lawyer should also review any settlement agreements before they are signed.

Is Mediation Appropriate For Everyone?
Mediation is not recommended in situations where there has been abuse, or one spouse feels intimidated by the other. Both parties should feel free to express their opinions openly and discuss the issues that need to be resolved. Both sides should also agree to mediation as a way to settle their disputes.

When both parties agree to mediation, it can be a less costly and time-consuming process that allows both parties to feel that a fair solution has been reached. It also offers a means of taking control of your divorce and avoiding the negative consequences of ending your marriage in dispute.

You can find more divorce information in the following articles: