Divorce Mediation - Resolving Your Marriage Differences Amicably

By Stan Ramsey

Divorce mediation is about coming to a decision regarding what is best for both you and your former spouse. Mediation can be especially helpful in cases where there are children involved, as it can be a more relaxed and hospitable environment than going through the court.

When you initiate the mediation process, you and your soon to be ex-partner will meet with an unbiased third party. This person, known as the mediator, is there to help guide you through your issues and work toward an impartial resolution. The ultimate goal of mediation is to finalize and end the marriage as amicably and cost effectively as possible.

There are a variety of issues you can resolve through mediation, including the distribution of your property, including assets and liabilities, child custody and visitation, child support or alimony payments, taxes and retirement. While not all of these areas will apply to each couple, the mediator will work through your specific issues.

While the agreements may not always come easily, this is where the real benefit of having a mediator comes into the divorce equation. When it is becoming increasingly difficult to come to an agreement due to escalating tempers, it is the role of the mediator to keep the lines of communication open. The mediator can use a variety of tactics, including reality testing the couple, brainstorming ideas, as well as coaching empathy to assist the couple in their decision making process. The mediator's job is to keep you concentrated on the mission at hand.

The process of going to a mediator is confidential and flexible. For parents, it is especially beneficial because it allows you and your former spouse to work more closely together to solve issues related to co-parenting. If you have children, even if you are divorced, the child's other parent is going to continue to be a part of your life. Mediation can help set the stage for more positive and cooperative co-parenting in the future. The divorce mediator is a completely neutral party, meaning they do not "work" for either spouse and will remain neutral in any given situation. They are there to help you formulate your ideas that can lead to long-lasting, amicable agreements.

It's good to know that, no one can force you into mediation. It is completely voluntary and will carry on as long as you, your spouse, or the mediator wants it to. Mediations can be conducted as often as the couple feels is necessary, this can be weekly or once every few months, the decision is completely up to the couple. Mediation is all about the couple, it is their lives and they are the ones that will make the decisions.

For more information about divorce mediation, contact The Alternative Group, a leading Divorce Mediator in Pittsburgh PA.

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