Separation Solutions: Six Signs Divorce Mediation Is Right for You

So you’ve decided it’s time to end your marriage, but what’s the best way to go about that? You might assume that the next step is to file for divorce and settle your differences in court. But it’s important to realize there are other ways to end your marriage, and going to court may not be the best way to protect your interests. In many cases, mediation is a far more effective option for divorcing in a way you and your spouse can be happy with. Defined as negotiating a settlement, mediation is the easiest and most affordable option for many couples, especially if you:

1. Know how to work together

Just because your marriage didn’t work doesn’t mean you and your spouse don’t know how to cooperate. If you have a long history of discussing things calmly and fairly, you’ll likely thrive in mediation. With the help of a mediator, you can listen to one another, explain your respective needs and desires, and decide how best to meet them.

2. Desire quick decisions

If you’ve decided to end your marriage, odds are you’d like to move on as quickly as possible. The traditional divorce process doesn’t give you this option, since you’ll need to abide by the court’s schedule. But with mediation, you can meet and discuss a settlement whenever it’s convenient for you. So if you’d rather not waste time or dwell on the past, mediation is the best option for you.

3. Have kids

As a parent, the last thing you want is for your kids to suffer during the divorce process. Mediation helps you avoid this. The mediation process emphasizes cooperation over conflict, allowing you and your spouse to resolve any disputes amicably. It also gives you more flexibility in reaching a settlement based on what you know to be best for your kids, rather than leaving it up to a judge who doesn’t know you or them. Both of these results make mediation easier on your kids, so the transition is smoother and less stressful.

4. Want to stay friends

Mediation isn’t just easier on your kids; it’s also less stressful for you and your spouse. This makes it a better solution if the two of you plan to stay in contact afterward, as many divorcing couples do, especially when they share child custody. The less stress you have to go through when getting a divorce, the easier it is to remain friendly later.

5. Want more control

In a traditional divorce, the court sets the agenda and decides how any disputes are resolved. But in mediation, you and your spouse are in the driver’s seat. If you’re the type of people who prefer to take matters into their own hands, you will be much happier mediating your divorce.

6. Prefer privacy

Divorce mediation keeps your personal affairs away from the eyes of court officials. So if you’d rather not share that information with the whole world, this method is ideal for you.

Solutions Divorce Mediation, Inc. can help you learn more about your options for divorce. Call us at 1.631.683.8172 or contact our Long Island office online.