Divorce is a major event in a person's life, and it can lead to a lot more questions than answers. Who is going to keep the house? Who will have custody of the children and when? Will one spouse get alimony? Can you and your spouse agree or do you face a lengthy battle?
Once the decision has been made to end the marriage, the couple will need to consider the options that are available in California for their specific situation. Some couples will be unable to agree on any of the outstanding issues, and need the court's assistance to finalize their divorce. Yet, a courtroom divorce can be both time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, when a judge makes the decisions, neither side may be happy with the results.
For couples who are able to work through decisions together, there may be another option: divorce mediation. In mediation, a neutral third-party helps the spouses as they go through the process of resolving issues of concern, including property division and child custody agreements. The mediator works with the couple to get past any roadblocks that may arise, and will allow the couple to focus on the most important matters that they need to address. Each spouse may also decide to have an attorney represent them during the mediation.
Is mediation the right choice for my divorce?
Divorce mediation may not be the best option for everyone. Couples need to know that if they decide to try this process, they will have to get past the emotions that may be present in their divorce. It is extremely important that each spouse commits to treating the other respectfully, as it is the only way to get the process to move forward. The couples will be allowed to raise issues of concern, but this should be done in a way that facilitates respect between the spouses.
While the marriage may be ending, the relationship is not over. Many couples will need to interact with one another, especially if they have children together. Divorce mediation will allow these individuals to understand the steps they need to take to be able to work together. Mediation can help them create agreements that stand a better chance of being honored by both sides.
If you are thinking of filing for divorce, you should speak to an experienced family law attorney to learn if divorce mediation is right for you. The process may allow you and your spouse to find an agreement that meets both of your needs, which may lead to a better relationship after the divorce is final.