A divorce is a challenging event for you and your family. It may leave you the feeling of being tired and overwhelmed. Spouses who are going through a divorce process can choose divorce mediation to negotiate the terms and conditions of the divorce.

 

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is a conflict resolution that may benefit couples who have mutually agreed to divorce or are ready to work together to find a settlement. It takes place in a private setting with both spouses and a neutral third-party mediator or divorce attorney present. The spouses will have complete authority over all decisions, while the mediator’s job will be to stay objective and facilitate productive conversations. Along with the advantages of privacy and control, mediation often results in cost and time savings compared to litigation.

 

You and your spouse will have to make many choices throughout the mediation process; here are some tips for preparing for divorce mediation in California.

 

Agree To Mediate

Divorce mediation is optional. The only way to bring all concerns to the table is to agree to do so in good faith. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of mediation compared to other techniques. Whether in person, over the phone, through text message, or via email, the first step is to commit to engaging fully in the mediation process.

 

Set Goals

You need to determine your acceptable range of terms—from what you want to get to what you cannot walk away without. Make a list of your primary objectives, ideal configurations, and minor preferences. Plan with your mediation attorney to ensure that all necessary divorce conditions are fulfilled while also attempting to accommodate your more minor preferences.

 

If you have children, keep parental access and financial choices distinct and avoid using one to influence your stance on the other.

 

Additionally, create a budget for your current situation and a forecast for your post-divorce situation. It can help you better understand your present financial situation and what you may need in the future.

 

Bring Organized Financial Documents

You need to organize yourself if you choose to undergo the mediation process. The mediator cannot assist you in determining what to do with what you have unless you are aware of what you have.

divorce mediation Los Angeles

To make sure that you have covered everything, establish a comprehensive list of all your assets and possessions—regardless of whether an item is yours or your spouse’s. The list should include all real estate, personal property, cars, bank accounts, credit cards, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, stocks, and other financial products on the master list. Maintain a record of everything you possess.

 

During the dissolution procedure, courts ask you to file a financial affidavit. You must complete your financial affidavit correctly. It provides a road map for the financial issues to be addressed during mediation.

 

List Down Ideas, Issues, or Concerns

Divorce mediation is a collaborative process that may even be artistic. If a thought occurs to you that will assist you in your mediation, write it down. During divorce mediation, your thoughts, concerns, and problems should be expressed and considered.

 

Both couples should have a thorough understanding of their divorce arrangements. Prepare a list of questions you may have before mediation. It may assist you and your spouse in resolving their conflict during mediation. It is critical to address all concerns that spouses may have during mediation.

 

Think About Your Kids

You must talk with your children about the mediation process since it can impact their life as well. Maintain a unified front and attempt to respond to their inquiries as fully as possible without disclosing unnecessary information. Children are intelligent, and they are probably already aware that something is wrong. They deserve to hear from their parents that they will remain loved and supported and that everything will be fine.

California custody laws are not always black and white and can have many nuances. It’s important to retain an expert child custody attorney in Los Angeles to discuss all aspects of California laws.

Bear in mind that even if your marriage dissolves, your parental duty will remain. Throughout the procedure, be patient with your children, since their emotional responses may differ. Try to maintain a stable, pleasant, and loving atmosphere, and communicate jointly when a change in routine or living arrangement is necessary.

 

Making Divorce Mediation Successful

The mediation process is a collaborative effort of both spouses. To ensure the success of the process, you must remain calm and collected, avoid being mad or upset, be reasonable and be open-minded.

 

“Good faith is the best companion during the mediation process,” explains Leon F. Bennett, a prominent family law attorney in Woodland Hills, Ca. Be open to collaborate with your spouse and listen to their concerns. Keep emotions and fury at bay throughout the mediation process. Make no emotive remarks, accusations, or provocations. It can only be detrimental.

It’s always best to be civil and rational during the mediation process. Negative emotions only get in the way.

 

Get A Lawyer

A divorce attorney can assist you in preserving your rights during mediation. Child custody, spousal support, child support, and property partition are all issues that may have a significant impact on you and your children. To ensure that your rights are protected during mediation, contact an experienced divorce attorney.

 

Additionally, several lawyers provide divorce mediation services. Attorneys specializing in divorce mediation can better lead conversations, negotiate California’s divorce rules, and enable constructive agreements that safeguard both spouses’ rights and interests.

 

Summary

You may facilitate the mediation process by considering a few key issues in advance, which include:

 

Your Priorities

Before the start of mediation, it is often helpful to examine and even write down the things in your divorce agreement that are most important to you and those where you are more ready to make compromises.

 

Best Interests of Your Children

Suppose you and your spouse have minor children. In that case, a significant portion of your mediation talks will almost certainly revolve around child support, child custody, and visitation.

 

Most Effective Method of Communication

While a communication breakdown may have played a significant role in your choice to divorce, successful mediation requires you to communicate successfully with your husband on a professional level.

 

Contact Us

Contact us if you are prepared for divorce mediation. We will connect you with the best competent divorce attorney or mediator for your particular legal circumstance.