Divorce mediation can help couples split peacefully

by | Apr 11, 2018 | Divorce Mediation |

When a couple in California decides to end their marriage, a legal process is necessary to conclude the divorce. However, many couples wish to reach a solution that does not require litigation with its attendant expense and adversarial approach. Instead, these couples can opt to make use of divorce mediation in order to determine the terms of their separation and address the necessary issues. Divorce mediation involves the use of a third-party, impartial mediator to help resolve disputes and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Divorce mediation is a process that helps couples and their lawyers communicate with one another to support their interests. The process aims to arrive at an equitable agreement for the divorce while reducing the chances of hostility and trauma between the parties. Divorce litigation can be lengthy and expensive, and many times, couples are not truly hostile to one another. Instead, they have simply decided to end their romantic relationship. For these couples, divorce mediation provides an excellent framework to resolve key matters.

Many states require that child custody issues first proceed through mediation as an agreed-upon child custody settlement can be a positive basis for co-parenting. However, divorce mediation can be helpful even when child custody is not at stake. Mediation processes can help divorcing couples protect their confidentiality and decrease conflict. However, divorce mediation may not be the best choice for every separation; complex financial issues, for example, may require a more extensive process to sort out.

People who are dealing with the end of a marriage may find that a collaborative law process is best suited to their needs. Spouses may contact a family law attorney for divorce mediation to handle key issues like child custody, spousal support and asset division. Even in a mediation, each spouse may bring an attorney to provide representation and counsel in order to facilitate a well-designed agreement.