April 12, 2022
The process of getting divorced can weigh heavily on your financial status and mental health, as it’s quite a costly procedure that can put so much stress on your shoulders. Therefore, divorce mediation may be a viable solution for couples who are on good terms and are willing to come to an agreement or settlement with each other.
If you’re looking to use divorce mediation as a method for marriage dissolution, here’s all you need to know about it:
What Is Divorce Mediation?
The process of divorce mediation is a system in which a married couple comes together to dissolve their marriage through a mutual agreement with the help of a third-party mediator. Contrary to popular belief, the mediator doesn’t act as a judge when they are present in the discussion. They actually act more like a peacekeeper than a referee. They don’t have the authority to order the couple to do anything. They are just there to ensure that the process is civil, legal, and safe for both parties.
Divorce mediation is less expensive, less stressful, and much faster than a divorce trial, which is why many couples opt to go with this option instead of taking the case to court. It’s not unusual to see a couple decide to not break up after going through this process, as it gives them both a chance to hear each other out.
What If There Are Kids Involved?
When there are children involved in the case, the nature of the mediation process will naturally become more complicated. The mediator in these cases will shift their focus from the parents to the children, as their wellbeing is paramount. For this reason, the mediator needs to know the basics of child custody, child support, visitation time, and more. They need to be able to tell whether the child’s best interests are being represented or not, as that will ensure the process is done legally and with as little impact on the child’s life as possible.
How Does Mediation Work?
Divorce mediation is done in many sessions, where the terms for each section of the divorce are discussed and agreed upon. This includes alimony, child custody, child support, and property division. The process may or may not involve a lawyer, as the initial processes will only have to do with the drafting process of the final divorce agreement. You can then bring the draft to your lawyer so they can check if it’s fair to you or not.
Mediation doesn’t have a time limit, which means that it can go on for years, or it can be done within weeks, depending on the complexity of the case.
Will Divorce Mediation Work in My Case?
Typically, if you are on good terms with your spouse and the cause of the divorce has nothing to do with abuse, adultery, or fraudulence, mediation is the way to go. It helps avoid further conflict and allows you to save money and time. Additionally, if you have children, you won’t have to put them through a heated court case, which can have a long-lasting impact on their development into adulthood.
Despite what the mainstream media wants to tell us, many people who are looking to get a divorce are on much better terms with one another than you imagine. The separation is usually caused by a lack of communication or understanding, which is why meditation is such a popular option.
Dorsey Law JAX has the best family attorneys in Jacksonville, FL. We also specialize in criminal law and personal injury. If you need help determining the terms and conditions of child support, get in touch with us today.
