If you are divorcing, it can be hard to believe that you can work through issues like child custody and property division by cooperating with your ex. However, the fact is that most people can resolve divorce-related matters themselves without going to court.
Whether you think this is possible or not, the chances are that mediation will play a role in your divorce. And there are steps you can take to make the process successful.
Commit to the process
Parties who refuse to cooperate or even participate in mediation can be doing a great disservice to themselves and their families.
Mediation has several benefits. It can be the most peaceful method to resolve disputes, making the process easier on a couple’s children. It can also be faster and less expensive than litigation, which can be in everyone’s best interests.
Further, mediation allows parties to have more control over the outcomes. Those who do not give this process a chance can be taking a gamble by bringing the case to court.
Rely on the support available
Mediation is not something people go through alone. There are mediators, attorneys and custody specialists trained in helping people get through this challenging process.
You can also work with financial professionals and others who have the knowledge and resources to help you understand the circumstances and what a fair, reasonable outcome looks like.
Set your priorities
There will likely be several issues to address in mediation, and not everything will carry the same importance. You can help yourself stay focused and organized by identifying your priorities before your first session and reassessing them throughout the process.
Determining your priorities can make it easier to focus on what you really want without getting distracted. Often, divorcing spouses know which buttons to push to get what they want from each other; knowing what you want and what you are willing to give it on can keep you from getting bullied, manipulated or antagonized by your ex.
Take it one step at a time
A divorce takes time, and there are several details to work out, which can be overwhelming. To avoid this, you can take it one day, one issue and one step at a time.
