Sometimes in life, individuals make difficult decisions in the best interests of everyone involved in the situation. You and your spouse may have mutually decided to end your marriage due to the relationship no longer creating a happy and satisfying environment for either of you or for any children you may have. When the decision to divorce comes about amicably, you and your soon-to-be ex could potentially explore marriage dissolution avenues that do not involve litigation.
Though different types of legal procedures could suit your specific circumstances, one low-conflict divorce method known as mediation often offers benefits for many individuals.
Mutual agreements
If you hope to get through your divorce proceedings with minimal hostility, mediation may act as a viable option for you. During these proceedings, you and your spouse work together along with a mediator to come to agreement terms that you both find acceptable. Many individuals also explore this method, as it often proves less costly (both financially and emotionally) than stressful litigation proceedings.
Mediation addresses all areas of divorce that you would go through in litigation, such as child custody and support, alimony and property division.
Of course, in order for the process to work effectively and for conflicts to stay at a minimum, both parties must have a willingness to work amicably together. Mediation does not come in as the best method for all divorcing couples, especially if one or both parties harbor some hostility.
Mediator duties
When working through mediation, your mediator acts as a useful professional to help guide the negotiations. This individual can help keep communication open and provide potential resolutions to any roadblocks in compromises that may arise. The mediator’s duties include promoting a calm atmosphere in order to reduce the potential for unnecessary stress and conflict. As a result, many parties come to settlement terms more quickly.
Benefits to children
If you have kids, you undoubtedly want the divorce to impact them as little as possible. Though the children will suffer some effects of your marriage coming to an end, mediation may allow you and the other parent to keep the process from becoming overwhelmingly stressful for the kids. This low-conflict method may allow the children to understand that their parents can remain amicable toward each other.
Experienced mediators
In order to have an effective mediation process, you need a specially trained marital mediator. Therefore, you may want to explore the various options open to you when it comes to moving forward with mediation and potentially choosing a mediator who best fits your circumstances.
Additionally, because most mediators also act as attorneys, you may wish to consult with an experienced New Hampshire family law attorney who could provide you with useful information on how to protect yourself during divorce and whether mediation could work for you.
