Top 5 Myths About Divorce Mediation, Debunked
Top 5 Myths About Divorce Mediation
Because divorce mediation is not quite as widespread as divorce through litigation, there are a number of common misconceptions about it. Many people don?t know what divorce mediation is at all or don?t understand the methods associated with it. That being said, divorce mediation can be extremely useful if you know what to expect.
To help you better understand the goals and methods of divorce mediation, here are the top 5 myths, debunked:
1. ?I need the mediator on my side.?
When many people think of getting a divorce, they want to work with someone who will represent their best interests, and those alone. During the divorce mediation process, however, you represent yourself and your spouse does the same. Because of this, the divorce mediator serves as a neutral party to help facilitate discussions?essentially, helping you help yourselves.
Your divorce mediator works to help you find a solution you can both live with, rather than being concerned with whom is right or wrong.
2. ?I?ll have to settle for less with divorce mediation.?
Because no one technically wins with divorce mediation, that means no one loses. You and your spouse will both be working toward a mutually-agreeable solution, so you may actually have a better chance of getting the settlement you want. Plus, divorce mediation can be exponentially cheaper than a divorce through litigation, which means you?ll save money during the entire process.
3. ?The courtroom is the best way to resolve child custody disputes.?
Do you really want to leave your children?s futures in the hands of a judge? How would your children feel having to suffer through a long, drawn-out trial? Through divorce mediation, you and your spouse can put your differences aside to resolve your child custody matters. By working together with your children?s best interests in mind, your children will be much better off.
4. ?I?ll be getting legal advice from a mediator, so I don?t need a lawyer.?
Because mediators are neutral parties in the divorce process, they can only provide legal information?not advice. Before signing any final settlement papers or if you have any specific questions during the process, you may want to consult with your own counsel on the side.
5. ?We?ll have to resolve all of our issues in divorce mediation.?
Divorce mediation is entirely what you make of it. If you want to resolve everything, you have the means to do so. However, if you cannot resolve everything, you can pick up where mediation left off and continue your dispute in court.
?A Better Divorce? Through Divorce Mediation
A divorce without destruction is entirely possible through divorce mediation services. As a divorce mediator with a background in behavior therapy, Eric Piety can help you and your spouse communicate your needs to each other. With divorce mediation, you?ll both be able to retain control over the entire process and the final resolution. This way, you?ll effectively be able to limit the amount of damage to yourselves and your children. Learn more about the divorce mediation process below.
