Five Mediation Strategies for a Successful Divorce Agreement

Working out divorce provisions under the guidance of a qualified mediator offers numerous benefits. One of the most important is that this method of dispute resolution gives the parties much more control than they’d have in a courtroom. The spouses have strong influence over the mediation process and outcome.

Like each marriage, each mediation is unique, but there are several general guidelines that you can follow to maximize the likelihood of a successful result. Here are five watchwords to follow:

• Come prepared for discussion — You’re not helping yourself if you wait until mediation starts to consider key divorce issues seriously. Like most important endeavors, you should go in with a reasonable expectation of terms that you wish to secure and possible areas of compromise.
• Don’t look for an emotional victory — Whether you’re trying to work out issues with a mediator or are headed to court, the divorce process isn’t designed to hold a spouse accountable for the emotional pain he or she caused you. Concentrate on moving forward rather than looking back.
• Keep focused on your goal — Even when couples both go into mediation with the right attitude, it’s easy to become sidetracked. Strive to avoid arguments about procedure and about issues that won’t significantly affect anyone once the divorce is completed.
• Assess your case dispassionately — Listen to your mediator’s guidance regarding the legal viability of your position. Holding onto a position that would likely fail at trial might serve to frustrate reaching a prompt, equitable resolution.
• Don’t rush into a decision — Divorce can be stressful and contentious. Sometimes a person might want to accept whatever’s on the table just to get the process over as quickly as possible. In other situations, someone will reject an offer because they don’t want to appear like they’re knuckling under to the demands of their husband or wife. A good mediator will encourage careful contemplation by each side while keeping the process moving along.

Before you engage in mediation, take the time to find a qualified third-party mediator who can explain the benefits of the process and advise you how the particular issues in your case might be handled.

Located in Dix Hills, New York, Solutions Divorce Mediation has attorney and non-attorney professionals who guide clients on a full range of marriage dissolution terms. Please call 1.631.683.8172 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.