The divorce process can be a challenging and emotional struggle. Because of the challenges divorcing couples face, they may wonder about mediation options and how it might help. In general, as part of divorce proceedings, parties can either request mediation or the court can order it. Because there are a variety of divorce-related legal issues that can oftentimes be contested, mediation allows parties to come to agreements on contested issues with the help of a mediator.
In Florida, a certified mediator is able to conduct a mediation of the parties’ divorce while remaining neutral, or unbiased, towards both parties; never forcing either party into an agreement; and working towards the shared good of the parties. Mediation can help facilitate communication and allow the parties to explore settlement options. Mediation comes with the benefits of confidentiality; that it allows the parties to have more control over outcomes; and can generally help divorces be resolved more quickly and at less of a cost to the parties as a result.
During the mediation, issues such as the division of assets and debts; alimony; and a parenting plan that includes child custody and child support considerations, as well as other important considerations related to the parenting plan that may depend on the unique circumstances of each situation, can all be agreed upon. At the end of the mediation process, the divorcing couple will have a settlement agreement for the future.
Because divorce can be an all around emotional process, mediation can be useful for helping parties resolve disputes amicably and may allow divorcing couples to better reach agreements all the parties can live with. Understanding the divorce process, and the different options couples may have for resolving their disputes, can be helpful to achieving as positive a divorce process as possible.
Source: First Judicial Circuit of Florida, “Mediation and Parenting Coordination,” Accessed June 12, 2015