When going through divorce, you have many options to avoid the traditional litigation path.
Mediation, for example, has grown in popularity over the years. But what exactly is it? What is the role of a mediator in the first place?
False beliefs about mediators
Forbes discusses mediation as a potential way to avoid costly court battles. It also allows you and your spouse to have even more control over your divorce than you might have initially anticipated.
A mediator’s job involves helping you and your partner reach an agreeable decision regarding all important divorce matters such as asset and debt division, child custody and support, spousal support and more.
Some people falsely believe that their job involves “fixing” a couple’s relationship, but this is simply not true. Mediation in divorce is not at all the same as mediation in therapy when attempting to fix a failing marriage.
Mediators also do not have the same legal power as an arbitrator or judge, which means they cannot make legally binding decisions on behalf of a couple.
What mediators can do
In short, it is entirely up to you and your partner to work out an agreeable arrangement for your divorce. A mediator’s primary abilities include providing feedback and suggestions from a unique third-party point of view.
They can also intervene in the event that arguments do happen, as they have training in de-escalation techniques. They will help ensure that every party has a chance to speak equally, too, and that no one feels talked over. In general, mediators are a great tool in divorce.
