A divorce mediation is an important part of the divorce process. During the mediation, both parties in the divorce will sit down with one another, in the presence of their respective divorce attorneys, and discuss or outline what each party will receive in the divorce, how assets will be divided after the divorce, how child care will proceed after the divorce, and much more. This can be a frustrating and emotionally taxing time, especially if spouses are still living in the same home with one another.
A divorce mediation, however, will be far more effective if both parties are able to remain civil and detached during the proceedings. Preparation in advance for the mediation may help you overcome negative feelings and approach the mediation process like a necessary business meeting. Kenny Leigh and Associates, a team of family law attorneys in Northeast Florida who deal exclusively with men undergoing family legal matters, can help you prepare for the mediation and answer all your questions about the proceedings.
Preparing for Issues with Child Custody
One of the most important things that will be discussed in a divorce mediation is the issue of child custody. Child custody is one of the subjects in a divorce proceeding that is almost guaranteed to cause hurt feelings, anxiety, or even anger. Often, both parents are quite passionate about their individual relationships with the children, and no parent wants to give up precious time with a child. Unfortunately, a shared agreement must be reached for a divorce to proceed. It is crucial that you and your spouse evaluate only the best interests of your children during the mediation process. While you may hope to have exclusive custody rights because you love your children, this may not always be the healthiest situation for your child. Mediation is a great way to discuss the needs of your children and arrive at a parenting plan that fulfills these needs.
Take Steps to Improve Cordiality with Your Spouse
Before the mediation, you should do your best to improve your relationship with your spouse. While it is likely impossible to reconcile all of your grievances, if you can establish a cordial and even friendly relationship with your spouse then the mediation session is likely to go by much more smoothly. Anger, frustration, and annoyance can disrupt a divorce mediation and reduce the effectiveness of this process.
Disagree in a Respectful Way
There will likely be things on which you and your spouse disagree during the divorce mediation session. While this is to be expected, it’s important to remember that there is a healthy and accepted way to disagree. Arguing and hurling insults accomplishes nothing. Disagreeing respectfully and calmly will allow both sides to express their opinions and reach a compromise.
Collect and Evaluate All Necessary Documentation
There will be several documents and records that you must bring to the divorce mediation process. These records may include lists of assets, information about outstanding debts, the financial contributions that each party made to the marriage, the health needs and medical records of children, as well as any additional content that may affect the mediation session. This information should be given to the mediator in advance to ensure that the process is expedited and efficient.
Contact an Attorney for Assistance
Finally, it’s a good idea to hire the services of a professional and licensed attorney who has experience navigating the complex process of divorce mediation. An attorney can help you gather necessary paperwork, prep you for the experience, and even keep you from making statements or engaging in discussions that can potentially harm your standing in the eyes of the court. Many legal firms offer consultations that will help you get to know the attorneys who will be helping with your case.
By Kenny Leigh
