Control your future through divorce mediation

When you and your spouse decided to divorce, you may have envisioned sitting across from each other in a courtroom allowing a judge to determine your fate. That vision likely increased your trepidation and reluctance to move forward. Fortunately, more California couples like you are turning away from that option and using divorce mediation.

During a time in your life when things often feel out of control, finding a way to regain the control over your future undoubtedly sounds appealing. Resolving your issues outside a courtroom is possible and often results in better agreements that provide both divorcing spouses with a measure of satisfaction that you were treated fairly.

Can you address all of your issues in mediation?

Yes, you can resolve all of the issues between you and the other party during mediation. The question is whether both of you are willing and able to work together regardless of how you may feel about each other. Fortunately, it’s not necessary to agree on everything before going into it, but the process may not work if you are too far apart on the key issues you need to address.

The atmosphere of negotiations can be a significant factor.

A major advantage of mediation is that the atmosphere is far less contentious than the traditional courtroom divorce setting. The negotiations are less formal and encourage communication and compromise. Both of you have the chance to be heard and come up with ideas — and to reject ideas. You can consider resolutions that a judge may not be able to offer or even consider.

After listening to both of you, the mediator will come up with a way to satisfy as many of your needs as possible. The mediator does not offer you legal advice, which is why it’s recommended that you be represented by counsel, but a mediator can help you stay on track and offer options for different issues. The final choices are yours, and knowing this could put each of you at ease.

You can breathe a sigh of relief.

Once you understand that you are in control of the outcome, dealing with the negotiation and creation of your settlement can be easier. The two of you can work together to find a solution to your issues that benefits everyone involved. This can be particularly beneficial if you have children, who of course will need love and support from both of their parents after the divorce is finalized. The foundation that you lay during mediation could help you reach a place where you can co-parent as a team.