When you decide to settle the terms of your divorce using mediation, you may come into the process with some assumptions about the role of a mediator. Many people think that a mediator helps you make important decisions about how you will divide your property, how you will determine custody of your kids and whether or not you will need to factor in child or spousal support. However, a mediator’s role is not to make any decisions related to your case. Your mediator is responsible for facilitating open and productive communication between two parties and it is up to you and your ex to make the decisions.
Can Divorce Mediation Services Help Me?
Your mediator will remain neutral, help explain the mediation process, explain the legal guidelines that you will need to follow to file your divorce agreement with the courts and then help you explore options for how you want to settle the terms of your divorce. You and your ex will be the ultimate deciders in the process. After all, you know better than anyone else what type of agreement will work best for your family dynamic.
Mediation is an empowering process that offers flexibility, confidentiality and the ability to be creative with your parenting plan and division of property. Mediation encourages collaboration rather than conflict, so it can help you begin to heal and move forward in a positive direction. You might be concerned that this process will not work for you – maybe because there was too much conflict between you and your ex, or communication was broken down and cannot be fixed. However, when you partner with a strong and experienced mediator, you find that it is possible to settle the terms of your divorce without a court battle. Mediation saves you time and money and can reduce the overall stress that you are feeling because you are able to resolve issues that benefit your entire family.
Finding Your Divorce Mediator
It is important to make sure that you have a strong rapport with your mediator and agree on the goals of the process. You may want to consider interviewing several to find a mediator who you connect with. Amber Serwat offers a free one-hour consultation where you can ask questions and get to know each other. Right now, she is offering this either virtually or in person. For more information, call AMS Mediation at 952.252.1492.
