Divorce isn’t easy by any means but if you have decided to go ahead and file for it, then you should have a plan in place to go to the next phase of your life efficiently and smoothly. In such a case mediation can come in useful. Mediation is a process where you reach an understanding of sorts and can handle it all with minimum stress and spending. Mediation is a process where both parties agree, and here, we give you four tips to help you and your estranged spouse try to handle it all and prepare for the turbulent times ahead.
Mediation: the only way forward
Divorce mediation helps keep things transparent; this is when you keep everything on the table. You can’t be friends but at least you can be civil. A meaningful conversation can go a long way ahead to ease off tension and negotiate better. You can try mediation with the said person at a restaurant, via text messages, by calling, or via email. Both parties have to consult on various things such as logistics or splitting the fees. It’s your mediator who will help you handle various things. Fix a schedule that is convenient for you and your spouse.
Organizing things to help handle things better
Organize things can help the mediator find out what exactly you have, and if you don’t know what you have, the mediator will help you find that out. One way to do that is to make lists. This will ensure you tick all the boxes, so create a list which you would like to cover at the meeting, such as rental properties, houses, vacation homes, and so on. Furthermore, discussions can also entail various bank accounts, properties, life insurance policies, and so on. You’ll include other things such as mortgage payments, food, utilities, credit card payments — the works! This will include all your ongoing recurring expenses such as utilities, mortgage payments, student loans, and so on.
State courts in particular ask you to submit a financial affidavit during the ongoing dissolution process. While discussing these things, consider all the legal rules or discuss it with your attorney. It is important to cater to your financial affidavit as the information can work against you. Creating a rough draft is helpful and the information process is going to ensure the final version is error-free.
Goal-setting helps figure out how you can get the things you want
Once you figure out what you have onboard, you can find out exactly what to do with it. The process isn’t easy as you’ll have to spend time to figure out what’s important for you. Here you need to find out several acceptable terms to what you hope to get and the things you won’t compromise on. If kids are involved, ensure you keep the financial decisions and the decisions involving the children separate — just decide what is best for your kids’ best interest. Communicate to your children whatever is happening as it can affect you, too. Always portray a united front before the children and don’t divulge unnecessary information that may harm them.
Research before you start hiring
Mediation has recently gained traction. Over time, most individuals have realized and recognized the plus points of mediation, so it is always wise to consider the various alternative forms of a dispute before filing a lawsuit. An unstable economy has also contributed to the growth of mediation as, in some cases, many people can’t afford an attorney, and they end up representing themselves or not going for the legal requirements at all. Mediation offers an affordable alternative. What works in its favor is the fact that it is affordable, confidential, and effective; all in all, this process offers a balanced alternative.
The demand for mediation is on the rise, and many companies are offering superlative mediation services, but the only hitch is that there aren’t very many regulations, so buyers need to be aware of several credentials attached to their names. Several fraudsters are doing the rounds, promising you a plethora of services and offering nothing. Learn whether the said company or person has completed at least a basic mediation course or they have undergone advanced courses in family mediation and how many hours they have invested in training.