Like a conventional divorce, mediation can help you and your estranged spouse resolve issues around share property, shared expenses or debts, and shared parental rights. Though mediation may seem like an “alternative” method of ending your marriage, it offers some benefits that make it well worth considering.
Divorce and Custody Mediation Puts Your Family First
One under-appreciated aspect of mediation is the feeling of greater control it can give you and your family. While a mediator can offer suggestions and insights, you and your spouse ultimately choose personalized arrangements that work best for your family. When approached with this collaborative attitude, divorce and custody mediation can reduce hostility and prevent future conflict.
Additionally, mediation can mean more control over your privacy. Divorces are usually public unless a judge agrees to seal the records. A mediation agreement is a confidential arrangement between you and your former spouse.
Co-Parenting Mediation Sets the Tone for Your Future
Custody and co-parenting mediation can help rebuild cooperation and trust so that you can cooperate as parenting partners going forward. Issues like sharing school expenses or childcare costs cause heated disputes in traditional divorce proceedings, as the adversarial nature of litigation bleeds into heartfelt family matters. By contrast, agreeing to mediation initiates a commitment to reducing the harm of your divorce; this mindset enhances the chance of a successful resolution. Finally, working together to keep your family healthy even as your marriage ends provides your kids with a good example of dealing with adversity in a constructive way.
Divorce Mediation Can Save Time and Money
While a brief, childless union might be resolved simply through a standard divorce, a marriage that includes a shared business, complex assets or children will not be dissolved quickly. The more complex your situation, the more divorce mediation can be preferable to litigation. Divorce settlements arrived at through adversarial means will usually take longer and cost more than mediated arrangements. Mediators can act as “referees,” reminding both parties of the “rules” you’ve agreed to and helping you avoid wasting time by re-hashing old grievances.
Contact Cordes Brandt, PLLC for mediator advice on using divorce and custody mediation to help your family continue to prosper after your marriage ends.
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