What Is Divorce Mediation and How Can It Help Me?

There are many ways to dissolve a marriage. Some Arizonans may picture a couple screaming at each other in court, fighting to the bitter end to get what they want. While a divorce certainly can play itself out in court, it does not have to and, in fact, usually does not. In most cases, divorces are settled outside of court. Yet, even here there are multiple techniques that can be used to reach a fair resolution.

One of these ways is through divorce mediation. Divorce mediation occurs when the divorcing parties, still represented by their own attorneys, try to hash out an agreement with the help of a third-party neutral mediator. This mediator spurs communication with the goal of creating a fair and mutually acceptable resolution that avoids as much conflict as possible and avoids the need for litigation. Divorce mediation can reduce the emotional toll taken on the divorcing parties and may bring the matter to a close faster than traditional litigation.

However, divorce mediation is not for everyone. Mediation can be difficult for an individual who is afraid to voice his or her opinion in the presence of the other party. In other instances, divorcing parties simply cannot communicate anymore, rendering mediation pointless. Sometimes, too, a mediator may be incapable of understanding the complicated financial and emotional underpinnings of a marriage, thus making it difficult to reach a just resolution.

There is a lot to consider when filing for divorce. Mediation certainly can be a way to quickly resolve matters like spousal support, child support, and property division, but it might not be the best way for you. Therefore, if you are considering divorce or are amidst a divorce, it might be in your best interest to speak with an experienced and compassionate Tucson family law attorney.

Source: FindLaw, “Divorce Mediation – Overview,” accessed on Nov. 3, 2014