4 Divorce Mediation Questions to Ask Before You Start
Many states now require divorce mediation before a divorce case can be heard in court, as this process can help resolve several issues. There are some things to consider before you get started to fully understand the process. Here are four key divorce mediation questions to ask.
How Does Divorce Mediation Work?
You are likely already under a great deal of stress because of the divorce. Therefore, it’s important that you ask the mediator how the process works. The mediator will give you a step-by-step outline of what the mediation entails and how it’ll play out. Knowing what to expect will help you to better prepare for the sessions.
Are You Certified?
Ask the mediator about their certification and other credentials. The goal is to use a mediator that has a lot of experience, the proper training, and the credentials that the court accepts. In other words, if the mediation is court-ordered, you can’t just have a random person do the mediation. You need a professional that has the right certifications to satisfy the court.
What’s the Cost?
Divorce mediation is typically not free. You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will have to pay for the mediation. The fees are usually very reasonable for this service. One of the important divorce mediation questions to ask is about the fee structure, as it’s important to know how much the sessions will cost so you can budget for them.
What’s Your Success Rate?
It’s important that you ask the mediator what their success rate is. You want to be sure that you are choosing a mediator that has the talent to help you work through the divorce. Historic performance can be a great predictor of future performance.
Divorce is not easy for anyone. According to the Marriage Initiative, couples that have children have a divorce rate that is 40% lower than couples without children. However, the overall divorce rate is about 49%, per the U.S. Census Bureau. The courts are backlogged with divorce cases. Divorce mediation can help to move your case forward. Call C.E.L. & Associates Inc. to speak with a professional divorce mediator today to learn more about the process!