Mediation is gaining popularity for divorce resolutions. Divorce is sensitive and the parties involved benefit from a level of confidentiality. Before you subject yourself and your soon-to-be ex to the conflict associated with litigation, consider how mediation might help you.
Understand the basic elements of mediation to determine if it works for your case.
What is mediation?
Mediation offers a means for settling divorce without the courtroom appearances required for litigation. Couples work with a neutral third party (a mediator) to negotiate the settlement together in a private setting. Mediation is a collaborative and peaceful solution that sharply contrasts the environment of litigation.
How does mediation ensure confidentiality?
Divorce settlements reached through litigation become public records. Anyone can access public records and see the personal and financial details of your divorce. Mediation is private, which keeps it out of the court proceedings. Your personal details remain confidential when you choose mediation over litigation. This often encourages couples to share more openly and negotiate more freely.
Why is confidentiality important?
Divorce exposes details of your marital assets, which reveals your net worth. Your settlement can also reveal the grounds for your divorce. Since divorce is highly personal, keeping that information secure protects you and your soon-to-be ex.
Work with a mediator that you trust so that you feel more comfortable in open negotiations. Approaching mediation with good faith helps ensure a more positive and successful experience. Some situations require multiple mediation sessions to reach settlement agreements about all of the key components, so put in the time necessary for your settlement.
