Mediation is a concept that plays an increasingly important role in our society. Mediation is seen as an alternative dispute resolution (ADR), ie an alternative to litigation. Divorce is very traumatic and usually an expensive process. This makes mediation an ideal alternative to protracted and expensive litigation.
What is divorce settlement mediation?
Divorce settlement mediation is not therapy or marriage counselling. Simply put, it is the process of dissolving your marriage in a legally-sound but non-litigious manner. Instead of appointing two separate attorneys to litigate your divorce, you and your spouse consult with a family law practitioner. The mediator assists you both in reaching a mutually acceptable resolution, in the best interests of you and your family. The mediator guides you within an anticipated range of likely court outcomes as determined by the mediator, who is an expert in child and family law.
If you mediate your divorce, the outcome is determined by you and your spouse who have a financial and emotional interest in the ultimate success of such outcome. With the help of your mediator, the two of you will work together to design an agreement that makes the most sense for you and your family having regard to the particular facts and laws applicable to your case.
Why is settlement mediation the wise option?
Mediation will
• save a significant amount of money
• shorten the divorce process dramatically
• reduce emotional trauma for adults and children alike
• empower you to make your own decisions concerning your future
• preserve the estate for the benefit of the spouses and the children
• help children adapt with greater ease to the change in their lives postdivorce
• create a co-operative atmosphere in the interests of post-divorce parenting