Divorce is never easy, but there are several strategies that can improve the process for both parties. Once such method is known as divorce mediation, and it has become a popular and successful alternative to divorce court. If you are currently entering into the divorce process, take some time to consider whether or not mediation is a good fit for you and your spouse.
Start by reviewing some of the well-regarded benefits of divorce mediation, below.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a common method of negotiating all aspects of a divorce, including finances, alimony, property division, child support, timesharing, and more. Generally, mediation involves the group effort of both spouses and their respective divorce lawyers, as well as an appointed, neutral third party called a mediator. During mediation, the mediator will sit down with each spouse and their lawyer to discuss, negotiate, and resolve all matters related to the divorce.
Keep in mind that it is not the job of the mediator to make any decisions for either spouse. Instead, they are there to work as a neutral facilitator to the decision-making process. Ultimately, their purpose is to help organize and encourage a mutually-beneficial agreement between both spouses in an effort to avoid divorce court. If you are preparing to divorce, mediation is a wise consideration because there are so many benefits when compared to the conventional divorce court process.
Top Divorce Mediation Advantages:
⚖ Mediation is Cheaper. Mediation is much less expensive compared to the traditional divorce court route. Not only do you evade court costs and most filing fees, you are not subjected to the discretion of the court when it comes time to determine who gets what.
⚖ Mediation is Private. Unlike divorce court that keeps a public record of everything, mediations are confidential. You do not have to worry about anyone looking up the details of your sessions or court hearings.
⚖ Mediation is Personalized. With mediation, you and your spouse are given the opportunity to customize the best arrangement for each of you following a divorce. In divorce court, the rulings are at the discretion of an impersonal judge.
⚖ Mediation Means Control. When you choose mediation for divorce, you and your spouse are in full control of all aspects of the final agreement. In contrast, a court decides your fate in terms of schedule, money, property, children, and more.
⚖ Mediation is a Settlement. Most mediations result in both parties entirely resolving all matters of divorce in the way they think is most fair. Many times, divorce court outcomes leaves a party, or both parties, unsatisfied.
⚖ Mediation is Healing. Mediation tends to create a rapport between couples, which in turn teaches them how to improve or set a standard for communication, post separation. This helps set the tone for future interactions, such as in the case of co-parenting.
Talk to an Orlando Divorce Lawyer
Although mediation has several benefits, it is not always the best fit for all divorcing couples. Before making any decisions regarding spousal separation or divorce, consult with a licensed Orlando divorce lawyer to get professional and personalized advice you can trust.
✨ Stay tuned for our next blog discussing the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce!
Have Questions About Divorce in Florida?
Contact Attorney Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a seasoned divorce lawyer in Orlando, Florida. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. We look forward to helping you resolve your family legal matters.
