Before initiating divorce mediation, consider what you expect to achieve. A mediation session is more likely to be successful if it focuses on problems on which the parties actually disagree.
If you are attempting to negotiate a financial or property-related agreement through divorce mediation, you must complete a financial disclosure form. You must supply your complete financial information, including:
- Your source of income, such as a job or welfare
- Included in the cost of living are transportation, utilities, and food.
- how much cash do you have in your accounts?
- debts you owe
- the items you own
Start collecting bills and bank statements to bring to the initial mediation conference for a divorce. Some mediators will email you this form prior to your initial consultation to be completed.
It is imperative that you and your ex-spouse stay honest while discussing finances. If your ex-spouse learns that you sought to conceal facts from them, any agreements you make may be void. Your former spouse may sue you for a larger share of your assets.
What takes place during mediation?
At the initial appointment, you and your ex-partner will often meet individually with a competent mediator. You will next participate in mediation sessions where you, your ex-spouse, and the mediator will discuss your differences.
If you and your ex-partner are unable to sit together, you can request that the mediator go between your separate rooms. Due to its extended duration, this sort of divorce mediation is usually more expensive.
The mediator cannot offer legal advice, but they will:
- They will consider both of your viewpoints without adopting a side.
- Create an environment conducive to obtaining a mutually acceptable agreement.
- propose particular measures to encourage agreement
- Everything you say during mediation is entirely confidential.
If you have children, your mediator will put their needs and interests first. If they feel it suitable and you give them permission, the mediator may even speak with your children.
The conclusion of your mediation
Your mediator will draught a “memorandum of understanding” that describes your agreement’s terms. You’ll each receive a copy.
If your agreement involves money or property, you should have a lawyer convert your memorandum of understanding into a “consent order.” This means that you can file a lawsuit against your ex-partner if they violate an agreement.
If you are unable to negotiate a settlement through mediation, you must resort to litigation.
If you and your ex-partner cannot reach an agreement through divorce mediation, you should consult a lawyer. They’ll suggest your next steps.
If you cannot agree on what should happen to your children, your attorney may advise you to continue negotiating.
Courts rarely decide where a child resides or spends time if they believe the parents are able to resolve the issue. This concept is called the “no-order principle.”
What is divorce mediation?
As a kind of settlement, divorce mediation is utilised by divorcing couples who wish to determine how to share their assets, property, and child custody. The objective of mediation is to obtain a mutually agreeable agreement between the divorcing parties and to seek a compromise.
Due to the fact that divorce mediation does not really occur in court, time, money, and stress can be saved. Divorce settlement through mediation is substantially more amicable than through litigation.
Frequently, the decision to divorce is difficult. However, what if you do not want a series of full-fledged court battles surrounding this event? You can turn to mediation instead of seeking divorce advice from friends or attempting a do-it-yourself solution.
Mediation is a type of divorce settlement that can be successful if you and your spouse can talk honestly, albeit in an awkward way. If you and your spouse are going through a contentious or adversarial divorce, mediation may not be your best option. Prior to selecting whether or whether you are interested in mediation, you should perform your own research, as you would in any unusual legal issue.
Discover what it takes to make an informed decision about mediation and how to arrive to your first session prepared. Here are the pertinent details.
Contact Family Mediation Service immediately to talk with one of our experienced mediators.
