| After filing an original petition for divorce, there are | | | | Mediation Benefits |
| several directions you can take to reach a finalization | | | | Mediation during a divorce offers several benefits for |
| of your divorce. Everyone wishes divorce was as | | | | all who are involved. It provides a peaceful method of |
| easy as 1-2-3, but divorce can be a complicated | | | | resolving disputes that is fair to both spouses. |
| process...especially if there are children involved or if | | | | Mediation helps both spouses reduce time and money, |
| the couple has accumulated wealth and assets over | | | | and even avoid a formal court trial. Although an |
| their years of marriage. | | | | attorney is still needed for the mediation process, the |
| You might be able to resolve issues on your own and | | | | fees will be much less than they would be if going |
| reach an agreement early on after filing for divorce. If | | | | through a court trial. Another benefit is confidentiality. |
| an agreement cannot be made quickly, however, you | | | | The mediator must keep all details of your divorce and |
| will need to proceed with other options. One way to | | | | personal matters strictly confidential, whereas in a |
| help things move more quickly if you are unable to | | | | court trial there's a court reporter jotting down every |
| agree initially is to use mediation. Your divorce attorney | | | | word spoken! A mediator must throw away any notes |
| can educate you on how the mediation process | | | | about your mediation once it's over. |
| works and represent you throughout the process. It is | | | | Disadvantages |
| recommended that both parties have independent | | | | Mediation does have a few disadvantages. One is the |
| representation during the mediation. | | | | agreement is not binding until it is finalized by a court of |
| Mediation Explained | | | | law. This means both spouses must be committed to |
| Mediation is a method of finding solutions and resolving | | | | keep the agreement through the finalization process. If |
| differences during divorce, such as spousal support, | | | | one or both parties do not agree during or after |
| finance disputes and child custody issues. It provides | | | | mediation, it is wasted time and effort on everyone's |
| an alternative to having a court trial. For mediation to | | | | part. |
| take place, the court will appoint a third party mediator | | | | Another drawback is often times attorneys must be |
| that is trained in mediation. Both parties along with their | | | | involved throughout the mediation process, which |
| lawyers will meet with the mediator to negotiate a | | | | increases the expense. Also, the appointed mediator |
| resolution. | | | | might be poorly trained or unskilled. This could hinder |
| Meeting with the mediator gives both husband and | | | | the opportunity for a successful mediation in which an |
| wife an opportunity to discuss issues that are | | | | agreement is made that suits both parties. |
| important to them with someone that is objective to | | | | As you consider mediation, search online for more |
| the situation. The mediator helps them come to an | | | | facts about this process. Also, find a reputable divorce |
| agreement by relaying information from one party to | | | | lawyer in your local area to counsel you on the best |
| the other. Although the mediator can offer suggestions, | | | | route to take for your divorce. Every divorce situation |
| he cannot force his opinion upon the parties. | | | | is unique, so it's important to find a lawyer you can |
| During the mediation process, the mediator will usually | | | | depend on every step of the way. Use specific online |
| take open statements from both parties, and then may | | | | searches with keywords such as "divorce lawyer Fort |
| ask for a caucus, or private meetings for discussion | | | | Lauderdale" or "mediation information Florida." |
| with each party separately. The mediator then uses | | | | Many divorce attorneys are experienced in every |
| the information given to find a point of agreement. He | | | | aspect of marriage and divorce, from prenuptial |
| will also go between the parties to clarify issues and | | | | agreements to child custody and paternity |
| make proposals. The ultimate goal is to find a common | | | | establishment. Find one that will work for you before, |
| ground at which both parties will be satisfied with the | | | | during and after the mediation. |
| outcome. A final agreement is offered at some point. | | | | |