Relationship Problems: How Does Divorce Mediation Work?
Relationship Questions: My husband and I have decided to divorce, but don't want it to be nasty or expensive. We're considering divorce mediation. But what is it exactly and how does it work?
Good for you! No need for divorce to drain your bank account—and drain you emotionally! Might as well try to be civil about the whole thing, right?
You're right in thinking that divorce mediation is generally less emotionally grueling, not to mention less expensive than divorce litigation. In divorce mediation, you won't be racking up hundreds of hours of lawyers' fees. Instead, you can use a divorce mediation lawyer on an "as needed" basis.
After you and your soon-to-be-ex have reached an agreement with a divorce mediator, your lawyer can check it out and make sure you've got all the bases covered.
Here's what to expect from a divorce mediator:
1. Helps with decisions: The divorce mediator won't help you work out your relationship problems or give you relationship advice. But they will meet with you and your spouse to facilitate the two of you making your own decisions about your divorce and child custody agreements.
2. Sees both sides: The divorce mediator will help you focus on the relationship issues that need to be resolved. Sometimes it's good to have an impartial party around!
3. Drafts an agreement: The mediator will draft an agreement which reflects what you and your spouse agreed to during the divorce mediation discussions, which a lawyer will then review.
Of course, divorce mediation isn't the right option for everyone (especially if things have already gotten nasty!) But it's good to know that you have an option that can hopefully make divorce a little less messy and traumatic for everyone!
report abuseYou're right in thinking that divorce mediation is generally less emotionally grueling, not to mention less expensive than divorce litigation. In divorce mediation, you won't be racking up hundreds of hours of lawyers' fees. Instead, you can use a divorce mediation lawyer on an "as needed" basis.
After you and your soon-to-be-ex have reached an agreement with a divorce mediator, your lawyer can check it out and make sure you've got all the bases covered.
Here's what to expect from a divorce mediator:
1. Helps with decisions: The divorce mediator won't help you work out your relationship problems or give you relationship advice. But they will meet with you and your spouse to facilitate the two of you making your own decisions about your divorce and child custody agreements.
2. Sees both sides: The divorce mediator will help you focus on the relationship issues that need to be resolved. Sometimes it's good to have an impartial party around!
3. Drafts an agreement: The mediator will draft an agreement which reflects what you and your spouse agreed to during the divorce mediation discussions, which a lawyer will then review.
Of course, divorce mediation isn't the right option for everyone (especially if things have already gotten nasty!) But it's good to know that you have an option that can hopefully make divorce a little less messy and traumatic for everyone!
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