When you use a mediator to help you settle the terms of your divorce, it is wise to get a strong understanding of what you should and should not expect from your mediator during the process. The most important thing to understand is that a mediator will not make decisions about your case. Your mediator is not a decider – that is actually your role. A mediator is trained to be neutral and trained to help you and your spouse resolve all of the issues related to your divorce. This includes developing a parenting plan that outlines how you and your co-parent will share custody, deciding exactly how you will equitably divide all of the property that you share and even determining whether or not child or spousal support should be considered.
Examples of things that a mediator will do:
● Answer your questions about the divorce process
● Facilitate a productive discussion with your ex so that you can make decisions
● Keep you focused on your goals for each mediation session
● Help you keep your children as your priority during the divorce process
● Clarify issues that come up during mediation sessions
● Facilitate clear and non-emotional communication between parties
Examples of things that a mediator will not do:
● Make decisions about your case
● Pressure you into a decision
● Force someone to participate (mediation is voluntary)
● Share information about your case with the court or others
● Convey bias toward one side or the other
Mediation is an excellent way to resolve the issues in your divorce with less financial and emotional stress. You can reach resolution much more quickly so that you can move forward with your life in a strong and healthy way. Rather than depleting your financial resources, you can expect to spend between two and ten times less if you mediate your divorce. Mediation sessions typically last about 2 hours and can be held in person or virtually, depending on your preference and your needs.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation
Perhaps the most important benefit of mediation is that you do not have to leave the decisions about your future in the hands of a judge. Instead, you and your ex can find common ground and resolve issues on your own terms, with the help and guidance of your mediator. For more information about the mediation process or to speak with a member of our team, contact AMS Mediation at 952-252-1492.
