If you and your spouse have decided to amicably end your marriage, you may want to consider using a mediator instead of going through traditional proceedings. Your family law attorney can suggest a mediator to use and can be present throughout the process if you wish. Here are some instances in which mediation is an option.
You Both Agree to Divorce
If you and your partner have mutually agreed to divorce amicably, it may be ideal to use a mediator in your case. In many instances, the split is not completely mutual on both sides, which can cause several problems as the process moves forward. If you can both agree that no longer being married is equally beneficial, you may not want to go through the hassle of hiring an attorney to help you. https://familymediationchoice.co.uk/family-mediation-service/location-marple/
Couples who mutually agree to a divorce are more likely to be able to work together to come to an agreement on issues such as custody, division of assets, and other important factors. Using a mediator, you can both determine your own settlement to bring before the judge.
There are No Plans to Get Back Together
Though separating is a difficult idea to grasp, some couples realize it has to be done. Couples who realize that there is no hope of ever getting back together and fully embrace that fact are good candidates for divorce through mediation. These couples have accepted the fact that their married lives are over, and they are therefore emotionally ready to move forward. This mindset makes the process more peaceful, leaving both parties in a healthy state of mind.
Everyone Involved is Honest
Another factor that will help determine whether or not you should use a mediator for your divorce is honesty. If your separation was due to dishonesty on either of your parts, no matter on what topic, a lawyer may be a better option for you. If there was no dishonesty in your relationship (that you are aware of) but your spouse has had dishonest tendencies with others in the past, you may also want to go with an attorney to fully protect yourself.
However, if you both have no reason to believe the other person is not telling the truth, you may be able to avoid using a lawyer. This will allow you to feel comfortable with a voluntary exchange of information. Your family law attorney can be present if you prefer, but it is not always necessary.
You Agree on How the Children Should Be Raised
When a marriage is ending, one of the first concerns becomes the well-being of the children. As parents, you want to do as much as you can to make the entire divorce process as simple and stress-free as possible. Mediation can be a great way for the two of you to talk face to face in a controlled environment to discuss custody issues, child support payments, division of holiday time, and any other important aspects of child-rearing. This way of making decisions regarding children is ideal for everyone, because you as parents get to decide on these issues instead leaving them to outsiders. That is why you should both aim to be on the same page as to how your children are to be raised; otherwise, you risk the allowing the decisions to come down to child advocate observations and the ruling of the judge.
If you are ending your marriage, it may be beneficial to ask your family law attorney about mediation. This process could make everyone involved less stressed and more at peace with the decision.