The Basics of Divorce Mediation
The divorce rate has remained relatively steady over the last decade with about 49% of marriages ending in divorce. Among couples with children, the divorce rate is about 40% lower than for couples that don’t have children, according to Family Counsel. After seeing this statisics, it’s important to know all about divorce mediation and how it can help your case run smoother.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
In many states, divorcing couples have the option to participate in divorce mediation before their case can be heard and their divorce is granted. This counseling brings the divorcing couple together with a mediator to hammer out the divorce agreement. A professional helps couples to come to agreement on a wide variety of topics and helps them speed up the divorce process.
1. Mediators Are Neutral Parties
Mediation is a non-adversarial process, which means the mediator doesn’t take one party’s side over the other. They provide information, encourage conversation, and work with both parties to move the process along. Mediators don’t tell you what to do and they don’t issue court orders, but they do assist divorcing couples to come to an agreement. The agreement is then presented to the judge where a final decision can be made.
2. Mediation Ensures More Control Over Your Case
Mediation is confidential, unlike a case heard in court where everything said is made public. It can also help preserve a working relationship between the divorcing couple. Input is welcomed and encouraged from the divorcing couple to come to an agreement and the divorcees have more control over the process. Mediation doesn’t remove your right or ability to have your day in court if you choose.
3. Mediation Can Be Less Expensive
When you work with a mediator there is less work for an attorney to do. Divorce mediation can be the least expensive route for divorce because a couple can come to an agreement on the details of the divorce before they see the judge.
Divorce is hard on everyone, which is why choosing a mediator to help facilitate the process can take some of the stress out of the process. Call today to speak with a member of our team to learn more about the process.