If you’re facing the divorce process and interested in easing tension, mediation is one of the best ways of doing so. While there are times when litigation is necessary, don’t go down this path until you first understand what mediation has to offer.
There are many benefits of mediation, including but not limited to:
- Less stress and tension than litigation, which helps if you’ll co-parent in the future
- More control over the process
- Less time-consuming than litigation
- Often more affordable than litigation
With these benefits in mind, it’s time to turn your attention to some of the most common questions associated with mediation.
- What does the mediator do? A mediator acts as a neutral third party, doing their part in pushing negotiations forward in the appropriate manner. However, this person doesn’t have the legal authority to make final decisions.
- What does the process entail? During the first meeting, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse will sit down with the mediator to discuss the issues at hand. This is your time to lay out everything on your mind. From there, you’ll partake in additional meetings with the hope of reaching an agreement.
- Do you have to appear in court? If you’re successful with divorce mediation, you’re under no obligation to appear in court. Instead, your mediator can file the necessary paperwork with the court, and you can move on with your life.
- How long does it take? There’s no easy answer to this question, as it depends on many factors. For example, if you’re both willing to negotiate and compromise, you may be able to work through your disagreements in a couple of sessions. Conversely, if you have a complex situation and one individual is fighting every step of the way, it can take much longer.
- Can you still work with a divorce attorney? Yes. Just because you’re opting for mediation doesn’t mean you’re on your own. You have the opportunity to work closely with an attorney from start to finish.
By answering these questions, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect during divorce mediation. When you plan accordingly, it’s easier to protect your legal rights and avoid common mistakes.
Visit our website for more information on all aspects of divorce mediation in Alaska.