You’ve heard that a mediated divorce is quicker and less expensive than a litigated divorce. Mediation also gives you and your spouse control over the process and the outcome, rather than letting the court decide. But what is your strategy going into divorce mediation?
The Philadelphia divorce mediation lawyers at SFS Attorneys explain what divorce mediation is, what issues divorce mediation can solve, what is not addressed in divorce mediation, and how to choose the right divorce mediator for you.
If you and your spouse are considering divorce mediation, call SFS Attorneys and put out over 40 years of collective experience to work for your family.
What is Divorce Mediation?
Simply put, divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows couples to negotiate and resolve issues arising from their divorce with the help of a neutral, trained third party.
Rather than litigating and letting a judge determine how your family lives going forward, couples mediating their divorce take charge of their lives and with the help of their mediator, find or create solutions that are right for them.
What Should I Talk About in a Divorce Meditation?
You can and should address any issue arising from your divorce during divorce mediation. These issues may include:
- Child custody
- Visitation schedule
- Child support
- Alimony
- Spousal support
- Division of marital assets and debts
Keep in mind that divorce mediation is still successful if all but one or two issues remain unresolved. Couples using divorce mediation for most solutions can use some other form of alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration or collaborative law, or litigate the remaining issues in family court.
What Should You Not Say During a Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is not the place to express your anger or resentment over your divorce or to continue the fight that led to your divorce. If you feel you must do this, seek counseling.
Also, while you should come to divorce mediation with an idea of how you would like to resolve the issues arising from your divorce, remain willing to compromise. Telling your spouse you will not compromise only derails the mediation process.
For divorce mediation to succeed, both parties must approach the process with an open mind, expecting to negotiate and collaborate on finding solutions to the issues affecting their family because of your divorce. Your divorce mediator helps keep things on track and may suggest creative solutions that satisfy you both.
How to Choose the Right Divorce Mediator
Part of your strategy for a successful divorce mediation is choosing the right divorce mediator for you. Look for someone trained in alternative dispute techniques and who has experience meditating your issues in your jurisdiction. Meet with them and decide whether you are confident they can help you and comfortable discussing personal issues with them.
Couples who own a business, foreign property, investment accounts and pensions, or unrealized assets such as stock options should look for a mediator with experience handling high asset divorces.
Schedule a Consultation with our Philadelphia Divorce Mediation Lawyers
If you’re considering divorce mediation, our Philadelphia divorce mediation lawyers are here to help. During your consultation, we’ll explain the process, outline strategies for success, and help you approach mediation with confidence.
Our goal is simple: to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Contact our experienced Philadelphia divorce lawyers today to schedule your consultation.