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A divorce is one of the toughest experiences you could go through. However, not all divorcing couples have to suffer through conflict and acrimony.
The reality is that a growing number of Connecticut couples are turning to mediation to sort out their marital issues. Here is a look at what mediation involves, along with the benefits it provides during divorce proceedings.
What is mediation?
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that allows you and your future ex to take full control of planning your lives post-divorce. The process is particularly helpful for parents, who will have to keep making decisions together regarding their children for years following the divorce. After all, the decision-making approach used in mediation can come in handy for the couple’s future communications. In addition, mediated settlements tend to have a higher rate of compliance because the two divorcing spouses created their own mutually satisfactory agreement.
What is the role of a mediator in the process?
During mediation sessions, the mediator is a third party who will help you and your future ex to resolve your divorce issues. This neutral party will facilitate communication between you both, ensuring that both of you have the chance to speak uninterrupted. In addition, the mediator may ask you or your future ex to explain your point and restate your position as needed. The mediator may also provide helpful legal system information and recommend ways in which to solve your issues.
What does the mediation process entail?
During your first mediation meeting, you, your soon-to-be ex and the mediator will pinpoint which issues must be discussed and in what order. Then, you will determine what information you will need to gather and share. Before the next session, you and the other party can work on gathering the necessary financial data or even expert opinions, such as those of accountants or appraisers.
Then, in the next few sessions, you and your future ex will discuss how to reach a compromise on various issues. As soon as you have reached an agreement on all of the issues you have discussed, your mediator will draft your agreement. Then, the agreement can be submitted to the court for approval. It is within your rights to pursue the most personally favorable outcome given the circumstances. It may help to understand those rights and your legal options before you proceed.