What is Divorce Mediation?

When a spouse is preparing to file for divorce, they often have many questions regarding the process. Going through a divorce can be complex and overwhelming. While some couples divorce through litigation, there are other options available that exist outside of the courtroom. This can include mediation. When beginning the divorce process, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to help navigate this time. 

What Are the Benefits of Mediation?

A mediated divorce has become increasingly common in recent years. This is because it allows a couple to participate in healthy conversations regarding the terms of their divorce instead of going through a hostile litigation process. By going through mediation, couples are able to settle their disputes outside the formal manner of a courtroom. During this time, a mediator joins the discussions. This person is a neutral third party that exists to hear out each spouse’s opinions relating to their marital issues and help reach an amicable agreement that satisfies them both. This allows a couple to work out their marital issues on their own terms. 

There are numerous benefits to opting for this divorce method. Most significantly, the process of mediation helps to diffuse some of the emotional tension that may negatively impact divorce proceedings in court. In addition to this, divorcing through litigation can be costly. Divorce mediation can help spouses save a great deal of money.

What Documentation Do I Need?

To begin the mediation process, spouses must provide their mediator with certain information. This can include financial disclosure forms, account statements (financial, retirement, or debt accounts), past tax returns, copies of the pleading filed with the court, present and future budgets, as well as any other documents regarding the issues at hand.  

What Does the Process Look Like?

Once the proper information is provided to the mediator, the meetings may begin with both spouses. During this time, the mediator will analyze and work towards identifying resolutions regarding the couple’s marital issues. Conversations that take place through the mediation process can include child custody, child support, alimony, the division of assets, and more. When the spouses reach a civil agreement, the mediator can prepare a Memorandum of Understanding. This is an agreement that outlines the resolutions reached during mediation. After this document is signed and presented to the court, the couple may obtain a formal divorce judgement. This turns the mediation agreement into a binding divorce.

Contact our Firm

 If you need an experienced legal team to guide you through your divorce, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.