|
Courts encourage spouses undergoing divorce to settle their differences first before their case is further processed by the court. Unless the marriage has experienced domestic abuse, both spouses will have to visit a qualified mediator who will attempt to resolve their disputes regarding the terms of divorce. During mediation, it is important that the mediator maintain a neutral stance throughout the whole session in order to come up with sound and objective legal advice.
A session with a divorce mediator may cover a variety of topics that concern your divorce. However, we can classify those topics under three categories:
- Personal belongings and debts – You will be required to identify the debts and assets that both of you accrued during your marriage, since they will be subjected to the division of property. The mediator will discuss possible scenarios in how the judge will split up your property
- Post-divorce budgeting – The mediator tackles on your individual finances once the divorce takes effect. Since spouses will most likely suffer from financial setbacks after divorce, it is important to plan for your finances for the purpose of budgeting your cash for future needs and unforeseeable events
- Child support – Individual parenting plan is an invaluable component that needs to be addressed during mediation. Children will need both their parents as they grow up, which is why it is imperative to devise a blueprint on how you will take care of your kids once your divorce takes effect. Spousal support, on the other hand, is another issue that needs to be addressed under the observance of state law.
NOTE: Divorce mediation is a crucial – if not important – period in the divorce process that allows both spouses to settle their score and determine how they will divide their acquired properties and assets, as well as the terms of custody for their child. Ideally, both spouses are encouraged to work things through and accommodate each other’s wants in order to facilitate a smooth and efficient divorce. However, if the couple does not see eye to eye and cannot agree on the divorce settlement, then they will have to prepare for a bumpy and arduous trial. For more information about divorce mediation, read How to Prepare for Divorce Mediation and Some Facts About Divorce Mediation.
Also, in order to have a firmer grasp of the topics and categories discussed during divorce mediation and the options you can take with your spouse, read both the Divorce and the Division of Property and Child Custody Information articles.
<< Previous, "Divorce Discovery" | Next, "Divorce Court" >>
|