If you are going through a divorce, you may fear a long and bitter courtroom battle. Fortunately, this is not necessary for all divorce cases, and some couples find that choosing mediation is a much better option. During the mediation process, each spouse will meet with a mediator that is a neutral third party. The role of the mediator is strictly to foster compromise and communication to help the couple reach an agreement on their own without the need for a divorce trial.
Mediation holds many benefits, including the fact that it can be less costly and take less time than a divorce trial. Spouses may also be more likely to comply with the agreement because they had a hand in creating it. Still, if you are considering mediation, it is important to know how to properly prepare so you get the most out of it.
Identify Your Goals
All divorce cases require some give and take by both parties. When entering into mediation, it is important to remember that you likely will not secure every favorable term you are hoping for. Once you understand this, you can then identify what is most important to you, and what terms you are willing to compromise on. Understanding your goals, as well as those of your spouse, can help during settlement talks and can result in your divorce being finalized sooner.
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