Good Fences And Not So Good Neighbors: Property Law 101

Going Through Divorce Mediation? Follow These Tips

25 January 2022 by Hunter Moore

Have you and your spouse decided to attempt divorce mediation rather than go to trial? If so, you'll want to follow these tips so that it is successful.

Attend Mediation With A Lawyer

Even though you can go through mediation without a lawyer, you are better off having one on your team. This is because the mediator acts as a neutral party and cannot give you any legal advice on what your rights are. Your lawyer will be looking out for your best interests, and you can consult with them about matters related to the divorce when necessary. 

Don't Withhold Documents

Mediation is not a time to be aggressive with your spouse and not provide them with the documents that they are requesting. This includes things like financial information, bank records, account statements, and things of that nature. Withholding documents is only going to slow down the meditation process and cause lawyers to get involved, and they are going to charge you for their services of formally requesting documentation. 

Be Prepared To Compromise

When you work with a lawyer, they are going to advise you on all of the things that need to be decided on during mediation. This allows you to prioritize what is important to you when it comes to compromises. If you have things that you don't care about during the divorce, you can plan to give those things up in exchange for the things that you want. 

Draft An Initial Settlement To Start

Your lawyer can also draft an initial divorce settlement to start mediation. This will give you a good starting point for you and your spouse so that you can continue to alter the settlement during mediation. Having a good starting point is going to speed up the mediation process and save you money as well. 

Take Breaks As Needed

The mediation process can be very emotionally draining, so be prepared to take breaks during mediation. Even having a moment to step outside and get a breath of fresh air can help clear your head a bit so that you can come back to mediation refreshed. 

Be Honest About Your Assets

Mediation is not the time to think that you can hide assets from your spouse. If it is discovered later on that you lied during meditation, your agreement can be overturned by a judge where a new divorce settlement will be made in court. Don't be surprised if those assets that you hid are lost to your spouse when you go to court. 

For more information on divorce mediation, contact a company like Lerner conflict resolution center. 

Share

Search