If you finally decide that your marriage is no longer working, you’ll want to learn more about the divorce process. For many, this can mean a focus on mediation to start.
There are several benefits of mediation, when compared to litigation, including the ability to make your way through the process without spending as much money. Even better is the fact that mediation is often more time-efficient, which is something that almost everyone is looking for during this difficult period of their life.
Knowing how the mediation process works will help you prepare accordingly. Here are a few things you need to know:
- Your divorce mediator has training to help push the conversation forward, but is not permitted to make decisions on behalf of either party
- During the first meeting, both individuals will discuss what they hope to accomplish
- Additional meetings are scheduled for negotiation, at which point the mediator helps you work through each and every issue
- Once an agreement has been reached, the mediator will then create an agreement for review by both individuals and their legal teams
Do I have to appear in court?
One of the primary benefits of mediation is that you don’t have to spend any time in court. While the court reviews your agreement, you don’t actually have to appear.
How long does it take?
This depends on a variety of factors, including the willingness of both individuals to work through their concerns. The average mediation case typically includes three or four two to three hour long sessions.
It’s hard to say exactly what will happen during divorce mediation, but you should at least have a basic idea of what to expect at every turn of the road. This knowledge will help you prepare for the process, putting you in better position to succeed.
Mediation isn’t as simple as it sounds, but if you understand your legal rights and keep an open mind everything should begin to come together at some point in the future (hopefully sooner rather than later).