What Happens in a Divorce Mediation?

Posted in Divorce Mediation on May 10, 2023

The hard truth of the matter is that not every marriage will last 50 or more years. A lot of marriages will end before one of the spouses dies. Because of this, you need to work with a Solana Beach divorce attorney from Ratzer | Dobis. Divorce mediation is a common tool used by couples filing for divorce so they can work towards a resolution before going to court, which is the last resort option and quicker.

How Divorce Mediation Works

When you and your spouse agree to resolve the divorce using mediation, you will have regular meetings with a neutral third party in an informal setting. The mediator will not make decisions related to the divorce for you but instead guide you toward a resolution so you do not get sidetracked or do not begin to argue too much with each other. Issues that must be resolved when filing for divorce and that can be agreed upon through mediation include the following:

• Division of property
• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support

Even though there is a third party present to facilitate the mediation, it is still recommended to have a divorce attorney represent you at these meetings. The attorney will be able to answer any legal questions you have and advise whether or not the decisions you are making are beneficial to your future or not.

The Benefits of Divorce Mediation

The benefits of divorce mediation include the following:

• Mediation costs less than filing litigation in court
• The majority of mediation cases end with a settlement for all issues
• Mediation keeps the negotiations completely confidential (once you file a lawsuit, it becomes part of the public record)
• You decide on the resolution best for both of you and do not have to rely on being told what the resolution will be by the judge
• A lawyer can still represent you
• You and your spouse control the entire mediation process, not the court
• Mediation encourages communication between both of you, which can be beneficial in the long run

When Not to Consider Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation should not be your option when filing for divorce if any of the following apply to your situation:

• You are the victim of domestic violence
• Your spouse has been known to lie or be deceitful
• You fear for the safety of yourself or your children
• You have a suspicion that your spouse will attempt to delay the mediation proceedings
• Either you or your spouse has claimed fault in the marriage that has led to the divorce filing
• Your spouse has hired a divorce lawyer prior to you doing so

Call a Solana Beach Divorce Attorney at Ratzer | Dobis Today

Are you preparing to file for divorce in Solana Beach? Do you want to try your hand at divorce mediation? If so, it is time to speak to an experienced Solana Beach divorce attorney from Ratzer | Dobis about your situation. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule an appointment with a member of our team today.