What You Should Know About Mediation

Couples going through the divorce process may find mediation to be a beneficial alternative to litigation. This allows them to negotiate elements of their divorce like financial issues, property division, child custody and anything else that will need to be settled to finalize the divorce.

But how does mediation work? Here’s a quick overview of what you should know if you’re considering it for your divorce.

• About the mediator: The mediator is a neutral party present to guide you through negotiations. They will usually have a background in counseling, law or psychology. They analyze the dynamic of your relationship and employ strategies to ensure healthy ongoing discussions. They will not make any decisions or take any sides—they’re simply there to help you talk through the issues.
• Your attorney: You can (and should) have an attorney by your side during the mediation process. Attorneys will also help you facilitate discussions and reach practical solutions to your disputes, then take care of the necessary paperwork.
• Solutions: You will work through each of the issues present in your divorce until you are able to reach agreements on them. There is a possibility that some individual issues may need to be litigated if you cannot reach an agreement, but most parties that try mediation find it is a highly effective and beneficial way of getting through the most important issues in their divorce.

Keep in mind that mediation may not be for everyone. If there has been any physical or emotional abuse, or if one party refuses to be cordial or cooperative, mediation may be a lost cause. But if the two parties are able to be in the same room together and have healthy dialog, and are willing to reach compromises here and there, then mediation will save money and time and allow both parties more control over the outcome of the divorce.

For more information about the mediation process, contact a trusted Long Island divorce lawyer at Solutions Divorce Mediation.