| Divorce is rough. That is a fact that most people agree | | | | is expected of you within the process. |
| with, especially when there are certain issues that you | | | | If you have children, mediation is absolutely invaluable. |
| must deal with such as custody of the children or | | | | This is a great way to decide on what you feel is best |
| property and financial issues. This is a very stressful | | | | as the both of you become partners in parenting |
| time in your life and obviously, emotions will be like a | | | | although you will be divorced. The mediator can truly |
| roller coaster. Sometimes these emotions can really | | | | help as an outside source that is removed from |
| determine the way the divorce plays out; whether | | | | feelings associated with the children, other than the |
| spouses will be civil and try to work things out in the | | | | desire to make sure their best interests are at the |
| best way or if they will battle it out with hostility and | | | | forefront. While courtroom divorces are very hostile in |
| bitter feelings. Mediation is important for many different | | | | this area, mediation provides an alternative, calmer and |
| things and some of those include: | | | | more supportive atmosphere. |
| - Dividing shared property and things which were | | | | Usually, mediation takes between two and ten |
| bought together. | | | | sessions to complete, which is much faster than a |
| - Dealing with alimony or spousal support. | | | | typical courtroom divorce that can last from a year to |
| - Decisions about child support and custody issues, | | | | three or more, depending upon situations. Mediation is |
| including sharing the parenting duties and times of visits. | | | | nowhere near as emotionally, financially or mentally |
| No matter what kind of emotions are running high and | | | | straining as a courtroom divorce. |
| what kind of hostile, bitter, friendly or civil feelings you | | | | Should there be issues remaining that cannot be |
| are both feeling, mediation can work for you. As you | | | | agreed upon by you and your spouse, the court can |
| and your spouse realize that the whole point of | | | | make these decisions for you. Of course, either |
| mediation is to help the both of you and your children if | | | | spouse can opt to stop mediation at anytime and |
| you have them get through the divorce as painlessly | | | | decide to continue with the divorce in a typical |
| and easily as possible, you will see that it is very | | | | courtroom divorce. |
| beneficial. An experienced mediator will preside, acting | | | | By removing some of the negativity of courtroom |
| as a buffer as you and your spouse work things out | | | | divorces as well as allowing the couples to make their |
| and make the best decisions for you. | | | | own choices in a calm, supportive atmosphere, |
| There are a few tips that will truly help you make | | | | mediation provides many benefits. An estimated 90% |
| mediation a success: | | | | of couples who go through mediation are able to |
| The most important meeting of mediation will be the | | | | reach an agreement without a courtroom divorce. This |
| first. This is where the mediator will lay down the | | | | is a successful, positive process that all divorcing |
| ground rules as well as letting you know what you will | | | | couples should consider. |
| find with the process. He or she will also tell you what | | | | |