Every year, thousands of American couples make the challenging decision to pursue a divorce. While most couples view divorce as a complicated process that will likely have to be resolved in court, other methods of resolving divorce-related conflicts are continually growing in popularity. Divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution strategy in which the two parties work together with a professional mediator to reach a divorce settlement. Mediation can be used to address issues such as child custody, property division, and spousal support payments. While mediation can be the most optimal strategy for resolving the outstanding issues in your divorce, mistakes can be made during the mediation process. Here are a few ways you can ensure that your mediation goes as smoothly as possible:
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Find the Right Mediator: Mediation can be a fantastic alternative to litigation in court, allowing a couple to resolve conflicts while a professional mediator facilitates the discussions and guides the parties toward a mutually agreeable compromise. In order for this process to work as well as possible, you and your spouse need to find the right mediator for you. Basic qualities you should look for in a mediator include experience and knowledge of your state’s divorce laws. On a personal level, you want to find a mediator that will be compassionate and understanding of both parties’ perspectives.
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