Mediation is a process that allows divorcing couples to negotiate divorce-related issues and come to an agreement outside of the court.
When couples in Connecticut decide to end their marriage, they often believe that the only way to dissolve their union is by litigating divorce-related issues in a court of law. However, divorce mediation is an alternative to the litigation process that allows couples to come to an agreement on issues, like child custody and property division, outside of the court.
What the mediation process entails
According to Forbes, during the mediation process, couples work with a neutral mediator who helps them come to an agreement on certain aspects relating to their divorce. However, the mediator is not responsible for making choices for the couple. Instead, couples who need assistance making decisions should consult with their own individual attorneys throughout the duration of the mediation process and before the final divorce agreement is signed.
The benefits of mediation
There are several reasons why divorce mediation can be a beneficial alternative for couples getting a divorce. According to The Huffington Post, these include some of the following:
- Confidentiality-during the mediation process, documents, work notes and communications made between parties are considered privileged and confidential information.
- Flexibility-when the decision to mediate is made, couples do not have to rely on the schedule of the court and can instead negotiate issues when it is best for their schedules. This is often beneficial for couples who have children.
- Less conflict-the divorce litigation process is often highly contentious. In comparison, mediation emphasizes cooperative problem solving and addressing the specific needs of all parties involved.
- More control over issues-when couples mediate their divorce, they are given the power to choose the topics they want to discuss and settle on.
Additionally, couples who choose mediation to negotiate their issues may be able to resolve their divorce faster than if they had taken their case to court. This is because during mediation, couples are allowed to set their own timeframe for resolving issues.
Mediation is not right for every couple
While mediation is associated with many benefits, it is not the best choice for every couple. Forbes states that for some couples, the mediation process can fortify unhealthy behavior patterns. If one spouse is submissive while the other is extremely dominating, the final settlement may favor the dominating spouse to a degree that is not fair for the other.
Before deciding to mitigate or litigate their divorce, couples in Connecticut should carefully consider the benefits and disadvantages of each process. If you and your spouse are contemplating divorce, speak with an attorney who can help you determine if the mediation process is right for your personal situation.
Keywords: mediation, divorce, litigation
