It’s a long and challenging road to decide to get a divorce, but once it happens, you will need a detailed plan to ensure a smooth transition to the next chapter of your life. You will find that mediation can help in more ways than one.
The goal of mediation is to reach an agreement that works for every party involved, without spending your savings on costs and attorney fees or spending significant time in court.
It is essential to be prepared for a mediation when the time comes, so here are five tips to help you and your spouse prepare.
Research
Keep in mind the specific factual and legal issues in your case when you are looking for the right mediator. The mediator you choose for your case should have a lot of experience and be well respected within your community. If you have an attorney, they may be able to help you find a mediator that best fits your case.
Prepare Yourself Mentally
Negotiation is the primary purpose of a mediation, so make sure that you go into the mediation as mentally prepared as possible. Mediation can be an emotionally taxing experience, and it’s crucial to have already thought through the issues in your case before it. In many ways, this can also help prevent you from making a deal that you may regret later because you didn’t give it enough thought before the mediation.
Keep Communicating
Communication is important, in any form, instead of disputing a resolution.
If you have employed an attorney, they will often set up a meeting to prepare you for mediation. This meeting can prove beneficial to both you and your attorney, as it creates an opportunity to make a game plan before the mediation. This is also a fantastic time to tell your attorney anything that may be helpful through the negotiation process of the mediation, or anything that you have failed to mention to your attorney. Communication with your attorney, the mediator, and even the other party involved is crucial. Keep in mind that no one can force you to agree to any terms, don’t hesitate to voice your opinion and you will find that you will have a smoother and regret-free mediation.
The Future
During your divorce process, it can prove to be hard to see past what is happening in the present and think about your future. However, especially in mediation, you are negotiating the outcome of your future. Before attending a mediation you should think about long-term goals and try to anticipate any potential problems that can be brought up during the mediation.
Homework
Make sure to gather all the necessary information/documentation prior to mediation. If finances are a relevant issue, you should print off any recent statements from all accounts and even three of your most recent paystubs. If you have hired an attorney, they will likely prepare a balance sheet prior to your mediation meeting and/or submit a letter containing all the information to the mediator beforehand.
We know that divorce can be a stressful and emotionally draining process. This is why our expert family law attorneys at Burton Law have the drive to fight for you and your rights to ensure that you get the smoothest process possible. Call one of our lawyers today to get a free consultation and start learning how we can help ease your case so you can focus on your individual mental health.
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