| Divorce is never easy. It has taken a long time for you | | | | · How much visitation will the non-residential |
| to make the decision to split up. And even if you and | | | | parent enjoy? · How much support will be |
| your spouse are still on "good terms", you'll still | | | | paid? |
| encounter problems when you attempt to work out | | | | · What does support cover? |
| the details of your separation. Rarely is there equal | | | | · Who gets to stay in the house? |
| bargaining power in a marriage. Plus, it is very difficult | | | | · How will I get my money from the property |
| to make rational decisions when emotions are running | | | | we own? |
| high. Few situations are as emotionally charged as the | | | | · How will our investments be divided? |
| end of a relationship. | | | | · Do I have to share my retirement? |
| Mediation is a voluntary settlement process which | | | | · Who will pay the credit card debt? |
| allows you to control your own destiny rather than | | | | · What about health insurance? |
| leaving your fate up to a judge who knows nothing | | | | · Will the kids get to go to college? |
| about your or your spouse. You need never step foot | | | | A skilled and experienced mediator is able to create a |
| into a courtroom as all discussions are held in the | | | | safe and cooperative environment which encourages |
| safety and comfort of the mediator's office. Because | | | | open and honest discussion. The mediator's role is an |
| of this mediation is far less costly in both economic | | | | impartial one, identifying issues exploring underlying |
| and emotional terms. Couples can save up to 90% | | | | interests, suggesting options and balancing power. |
| over a traditional courtroom battle by using the | | | | The mediator is neutral, does not represent either |
| mediation process. | | | | party and does not make decisions. They are trained |
| How it works: | | | | to listen and help both parties stay focused on the |
| Divorce Mediation is a step by step process through | | | | task at hand. There is no need to being "dirty laundry" |
| which separating couples arrive at a fair agreement | | | | into the room or the discussions. Mediators encourage |
| which is acceptable to both parties. It is conducted | | | | the couple to search for a solution to their unique |
| under the guidance of a trained professional who helps | | | | problems and support them once a decision is made. |
| the couple to make their own important decisions | | | | The mediation process culminates (usually after an |
| concerning their changing and uncertain future. The | | | | average of five sessions) in the preparation of a |
| mediator need not be a lawyer. A psychologist with | | | | Marital Settlement Agreement which details the |
| some knowledge of divorce law can be quite | | | | specifics of your mutually agreed upon decisions. This |
| effective in dealing with a couple going through a | | | | agreement is the basis of the divorce decree. |
| breakup of their marriage. | | | | A Final Note |
| The mediator helps you identify the points upon which | | | | It is important to understand that mediation is not the |
| you already agree and works from there, with | | | | arena for deciding whether or not to separate or |
| cooperative problem solving, to work on the issues | | | | divorce. That should be done in the office of a mental |
| which are not so easily disposed of. Some examples | | | | health professional. However, once the decision is |
| of typical questions which come up during the process | | | | reached, mediation can help the separating couple and |
| are: | | | | their children avoid unnecessary scars and return |
| · Who will the children live with? | | | | much sooner to the business of living. |