Divorce mediation has become a frequently used process for settling the difficult terms of a divorce. A neutral third party is hired to help facilitate discussion around issues that need to be settled, including division of assets, debts and property, child/spousal support payment terms, and developing a parenting plan that works for all parties. It is important to understand that the mediator, or third party, is not the decider, but is a facilitator of stronger, more positive and effective communication to empower the divorcing couple to resolve their unique issues without having to go through the court system. AMS Mediation specializes in providing efficient and effective client centered divorce mediation services to those living in and around Burnsville, MN. Two areas of focus for the team at AMS Mediation is developing successful Parenting Partnerships and conserving resources.
Divorce Mediation Process
Once you and your divorcing spouse have decided you want to pursue mediation to settle your divorce, rather than proceeding through the court system, the first step is finding a mediator who you connect with. Mediation typically consists of a series of meetings between you, your divorcing spouse and a mediator (attorneys can also be present if desired). When you meet with a mediator at AMS Mediation, you will develop an action plan in your first meeting that identifies your list of priorities and you will begin to determine whether there is any pertinent information that should be gathered and shared at future meetings (financial information, etc.) and whether any professional assistance is needed from appraisers, accountants, attorneys, etc. Once this information has been compiled, you begin to share this information and discussion ways to settle and divide property amicably.
Once the division of property decisions are complete, you and your divorcing spouse will turn your attention to issues surrounding your children, including the development of a parenting plan which outlines how your children will spend their time with each of you and discuss the need for spousal/child support. You can expect the entire mediation process to take approximately between 6 – 8 hours of mediation, occurring over a 6 – 8 week period of time to reach a settlement.
At the conclusion of the mediation process, your mediator will develop a Memorandum of Agreement, which is a comprehensive document details your entire agreement and which serves as the basis for your legal documents, filed with the courts.
Benefits Of Divorce Mediation
There are many important benefits of mediation including the following:
● Less expensive than a court battle
● Takes less time than settling a divorce in court
● Completely confidential with no public record
● More flexibility to arrive at a solution that is unique to your needs.
● Sets the tone for a more positive relationship post-divorce
● Models a positive relationship for children.
For more information about divorce mediation services offered by AMS Mediation, or to set up a time for a free consultation, call (952) 252-1492.
