Debunking Common Myths About Divorce Mediation

 Posted on October 26, 2018 in Divorce

Many couples still think that the only way they can get a divorce is by going the traditional way of litigating the divorce. Traditional divorce involves both spouses getting their own attorneys who argue for them on their behalf about various topics like child support, property division and even who gets to keep the dog. This can cause much stress for both spouses and their kids, which is why many couples have been looking at forms of alternative dispute resolution, one of them being mediation. Because it is a fairly new and accepted practice in the legal community, people still have their misconceptions about the divorce mediation process. Here are three common myths about divorce mediation and the truths behind them.

Mediation Does Not Work if You Both Cannot Get Along

Divorce mediation can actually help couples who are combative. The mediator is there to help keep you and your soon-to-be ex on track when you are discussing and making decisions about important issues. It is the mediator’s job to steer you and your ex in the right direction when conversing - rather than letting you and your ex hash it out, they will make suggestions on possible solutions for your arguments.

Divorce Mediators Will Try to Get You to Reconcile With Your Spouse

That is not the job of a mediator. Divorce mediators are not the same as family therapists. The divorce mediator has no interest in trying to get you and your spouse to reconsider your marriage - they are just trying to get you to behave civilly toward each other so that you can finalize your divorce. The main goal of the mediator is to help you and your spouse come to a divorce agreement that you both are Okay with.

Mediation Means You Will Settle for Less Than You Deserve

Divorce mediators are aware of the laws that are applicable in your state when it comes to property division, child custody, and other issues. A divorce mediator will help you follow those laws in a way that both you and your spouse can agree on. Generally, couples tend to divvy up property the same way, no matter if they litigated or mediated the divorce - but you save money when you mediate the divorce.

Consult with an Oakland County Divorce Mediation Attorney

If you are thinking about going with a mediated divorce, you need to contact a Farmington Hills divorce mediation lawyer immediately. The attorneys at Elkouri Heath, PLC can help you make important decisions concerning you and your family. To schedule a consultation, contact the office by calling 248-344-9700.

Sources:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/divorce-mediation-myths_b_831334

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mediation-myths-and-misunderstandings_b_3137489