Deciding whether mediation is right for your divorce requires thoughtful consideration of several factors concerning your relationship with your spouse. Being open and honest with yourself will help you make the most informed decision regarding the direction you want to take in the divorce process.
Being on Good Speaking Terms
Successful divorce mediation begins with a couple being able to speak to one another calmly and respectfully. If you and your spouse have such animosity toward one another that you are unable to have a civil conversation, it may be best to pursue traditional divorce litigation.
Ability to Discuss Marital Issues
In order to reach a divorce agreement, spouses must discuss marital issues. Can you and your spouse rationally talk about issues related to your marriage? Divorce mediation involves discussion, listening, openness, and a willingness to work together.
Financial Considerations
Are you concerned about the financial impact of a divorce? There are many benefits to divorce mediation, including the cost savings. Mediation is significantly less costly than traditional divorce litigation. Divorce mediation has fewer court fees and because it requires less time, couples do not need to take as many days off from work, nor do they need to incur the additional expense of childcare arrangements to go to court.
Family Considerations: Divorce and Children
If you have children, you and your spouse may want to consider mediation for the benefit it provides to your children over litigated divorce. Divorce has an impact on all family members, and the divorce process can have a significant negative impact on children. Divorce mediation allows couples to work towards a divorce agreement at their own pace, in a neutral setting, without their children present. Divorce mediation is also private, which protects children from hearing allegations and disputes in an open courtroom.
Divorce Mediation Brings Customized, Creative Solutions
Are you willing to consider alternative solutions in your divorce agreement? Unlike a traditional litigated divorce which is bound by Michigan statutes, divorce mediation is a private process between two spouses so there are numerous opportunities to explore creative solutions that work for your particular situation. Child custody, co-parenting plans, and spousal support are just a few of the issues that can be worked out and agreed to through an effective divorce mediation.
Ability to Compromise
Can you compromise? Divorce is an emotional process and often couples want to hold firm to certain conditions, sometimes for the wrong reasons. Divorce mediation requires a willingness to potentially compromise on some issues; both sides may not get everything they want in the divorce agreement.
Situations Where Divorce Mediation is Not Advised
If there are allegations of domestic violence or abuse in a marriage, then divorce mediation is not advised.
Learn More About Divorce Mediation and Whether It Is Right for You
Making the decision to dissolve a marriage is difficult and choosing the best path forward in the divorce process is important. At The Smith Law Offices, P.C., our dedicated family law attorneys understand what you are going through, and we are here to protect your rights and your finances throughout the process. We offer the services of a Certified Divorce Mediator who works with you to facilitate the resolution of challenging family law issues. Contact our divorce mediation team at 734-215-9161 or online to arrange for a consultation.
