In the New Year, couples who are about to divorce and can do so amicably can use mediation to make the dissolution process much less contentious. This process is far more interesting than a long, drawn-out courtroom battle. Mediation not only relieves unnecessary stress, it also saves money and time. For many, it is more of a team concept of the two partners, a mediator, and several sessions to resolve the specifics of the divorce.
A mediator will provide guidance for reaching a resolution on issues that still need to be resolved. They bring critical negotiation skills to listen to each side’s interests and concerns, and then help find a common resolution that everyone can agree on. The mediator is a neutral party, and often a lawyer, so they can give you some background on what is legally permissible. When a dead end is reached or the negativity stalls, the mediator knows how to get the conversation back on track. For some couples this means not mediating all in one day. But in two to three sessions, you can complete all the big priorities of disbanding.
It is important for you to know what your future needs are so that child support, spouse support, and asset and debt sharing are done to help you find a future that is as stable as possible. What many people love about mediation is that it allows you to express your values and opinions. Divorce litigation, by contrast, follows a more stringent formula and what some call a “one size fits all” approach. Mediation makes more sense for two adults who can be in the same room together and talk about the details. You can take into account the budget you live in each day and the future needs that you and your children will have. Mediators also know how to look for tax savings and alternative settlement options to increase the likelihood of post-divorce financial stability.
Couples who have gone through a mediated divorce say it is far better to have two people who are closely acquainted with their finances and assets decide how to dissolve the marriage versus a judge or a pair of lawyers. At the end of the mediation process, a final divorce settlement will be drawn up and approved by the court. A few months later, you’ll be thanking yourself for mediating. The money you save can be used for children, savings or an emergency fund, or building yourself in a new home.