When seeking a divorce, there is no fixed process that will fit all cases. Parties to a divorce have to check their priorities and the circumstances surrounding their case before deciding how to proceed with the dissolution of the marriage. One thing to note is that parties do not always have to bring the dispute to court. One option is divorce mediation.
What happens during mediation?
Divorce mediation is a process aiming to assist parties in reaching an agreement on several aspects of the marriage with the help of an impartial professional called a mediator. Discussions could range between property and asset division, child custody and support and other topics related to the union.
Before discussions start, the mediator will set ground rules to allow both parties to discuss options and preferences. The mediator can also provide suggestions to help resolve some issues for the former spouses. While it is not mandatory, parties may also have their attorneys present during the process.
The goal of the mediation is to reach an agreeable settlement between the two parties. Once the parties agree, the settlement details will be sent to the family court, making it a binding agreement. While the court still intervenes, mediation can make the process smoother and faster.
Benefits of this option
For some people, reaching an agreement on their own may lead to better results than going through litigation. Some of the benefits of divorce mediation are:
- Costs less compared to litigation divorce
- Parties’ ability to decide on the schedules and terms
- Discussions are private and confidential
Whether mediation is the best course of action for spouses depends on the circumstances surrounding their situation. If parties to a divorce prefer having control over the process, they can look more into mediation.