Going through divorce mediation can be a confusing process. Here are 9 tips to make your divorce mediation as successful as possible.
Meeting with a divorce mediator helps spouses negotiate and compromise on issues in their divorce. Spouses have a lot of factors to consider when reaching agreements, and the task may seem overwhelming. A trial can be avoided by meeting with a mediator, and the separating process is faster and easier.
Related: How to Prepare For Divorce Mediation in California
9 Tips to Consider
1. Set Goals for the Mediation
Decide what you and your spouse expect to achieve from mediation by setting clear objectives. You can ask yourself the following questions: What exactly do you want to negotiate with the help of a third party? On what issues do you stand firmly or have room to compromise? Having clear expectations will make it easier to find the right mediator for the situation.
Related: Divorce Mediation FAQs in California
2. Set a Budget
Know how much money you and your partner are willing to spend on a divorce mediation service. This will narrow down what services are obtainable, and make the search for what you’re looking for more clarity.
3. Plan Out Your Schedule
Set specific dates and meeting times with your spouse to clarify when you will have mediation sessions. Make sure that both parties can attend the meetings and hold themselves accountable for showing up on time. Planning ahead will make the mediation process straightforward.
4. Make a List of Topics to Discuss
Come to mediation meetings with a list of all the issues you want to talk about. Arriving prepared ensures you will not forget anything important and provides a clear agenda, so time is used wisely. Advise that your partner does the same so all of your conflicts can resolve with the help of the mediator.
5. Consult an attorney
Ensure your rights are protected by consulting a divorce attorney or divorce consultant. Mediators are neutral third parties who cannot give legal advice, whereas a divorce attorney will consider your finances in meeting all goals of the mediation. Remember that a divorce attorney/consultant is not your Attorney on Record, so they do not represent your case or appear in court. However, they make the process more efficient while acknowledging all your objectives.
Related: Divorce Mediation vs. Lawyer: Pros and Cons
6. Listen Carefully to Other Parties
Before speaking, make sure you actively listen to what other people are saying to understand the circumstances thoroughly. Active listening will make the process move faster and prevent misunderstandings from occurring. Recognizing why each party feels the way they do can be beneficial in reaching compromises and negotiating terms.
7. Avoid Being Aggressive
Aggression will hinder progress and create a hostile environment, elongating the process and making it uncomfortable for all parties involved. Being forceful will make the opposite party less likely to comply with propositions or compromise on disagreements. To ensure that objectives are met, it is best to remain civil and professional throughout the mediation.
8. Disclose All Relevant Information
Discussing all assets and debts helps the mediator and potential divorce attorney make a clear plan regarding the divorce settlement agreement. Lay all the information on the table from the start. Withholding important information during the mediation process may leave potential for fraud, greatly benefiting the opposing party.
9. Take Breaks if Necessary
Divorce can be mentally draining to process, and it is acceptable and encouraged to ask for a break if needed. When emotions are intense, and the energy between parties is hostile, it is difficult to be productive in reaching agreements, so taking breaks is also necessary to work efficiently as possible.
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If your or a loved one would like to know more about divorce mediation, get your free consultation with one of our divorce mediation attorneys today!