Mediating Divorce
- Jennifer Hume
- Apr 3, 2024
- 2 min read
How divorce mediation works:
In divorce mediation, you and your spouse meet with a trained, neutral mediator to discuss and resolve the issues in your divorce. Mediation sessions often take place by video conference, or in some cases in an informal office setting.
A mediator can help you reach agreement on the issues in your specific case. Resolving all issues enables you to finalize your divorce and settle your case. These issues may include child custody, child support, and property division. Mediators don't make decisions or offer legal advice, but instead serve as facilitators that assist spouses to figure out a mutually agreeable solution.
When spouses reach agreement through mediation, the mediator will draft a complete settlement agreement.
You can attend mediation at any time, and mediation is generally required before the court will hold a final hearing in your case. Mediation can occur prior to filing for divorce with the court or at any time after.
Mediation has many benefits over a traditional litigation approach to divorce, these include:
Cost. Mediation is much less expensive than litigation, does not require multiple professionals, and centers on the goals of the parties.
Settling the case. Many mediations end in settlement of all of the issues in the divorce.
Confidentiality. Mediation is confidential, settlement discussions during mediation are not included in any record or used in court.
Flexibility and Case Specific. Mediation allows you to arrive at a resolution based on your own ideas of what is fair in your situation while shaping the resolution to your families specific needs.
Advice still available. You can pursue mediation while consulting with a lawyer who provides legal advice about the proposed settlement.
Control. You and your spouse, rather than a judge or court process, control the process, the timeline and the outcome.
Communication. The mediation process encourages communication between you and your spouse, helping you avoid future conflicts, retain the foundation of your relationship, and put you in the best position for success in your next chapter of life.
Successful mediation makes the divorce process easier. Once you reach a settlement the documents are filed with the court. There may be no need to ever step into a courtroom.
Mediating a divorce saves money and sets you up to succeed in your future co-parenting relationship.
Mediating your divorce has a lot of advantages over litigating. Contact Hume Law & Mediation for more information!
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