If you and your spouse are planning to divorce and wish to go through a less contentious process while staying out of court, you may be considering divorce mediation. Divorce mediation is a process through which both parties negotiate the terms of their divorce decree with the assistance of a neutral, third-party mediator. To ensure it goes smoothly, it is essential to be well-prepared.
Preparing for Divorce Mediation
Transparency and accuracy are crucial for the mediation process, so be sure to gather and organize all pertinent financial information, such as assets, debts, and income information as well as documents that can verify the information you provide. Your mediator will guide you on what is necessary for partaking in these sessions.
Compared to litigation, where both parties must participate in a more formal discovery process, voluntary disclosure is speedier and far less costly. That said, if either spouse attempts to hide assets or lie about income, this will cause some obstacles and potentially result in serious consequences.
As you prepare for the divorce mediation process, it is crucial to also consider your interests. When you and your spouse begin the process of negotiating the terms of your divorce, you will have to focus on what you need and why those needs are important to you. The better you understand your interests, the more effectively you can communicate them to your spouse as you attempt to resolve each key issue. If you find that you have similar interests, your mediator can help you both come up with a mutually agreeable settlement.
Lastly, if you have children, you should consider their needs and what will best serve their interests and wellbeing. A major benefit of choosing divorce mediation instead of litigation is the opportunity it provides for preserving a better relationship with your co-parent, so be sure to take advantage of it.
Contact Our Knowledgeable Family Law Team to Learn More About Divorce Mediation
If you wish to dissolve your marriage through a more amicable approach, such as mediation, you need to consult with an experienced mediator. At Arnel Law Firm, our family law team is backed by more than 40 years of experience and a proven history of successful results. We understand the difficulties spouses face as they dissolve their marriage and will work diligently to guide you through this process as smoothly as possible.
Reach out to our law office today at (718) 550-3024 to set up a free initial consultation with a member of our team to discuss your case.
