When couples decide to end their marriage, they often have a lot of questions about the process. How will assets be divided? Who will get custody of the children? These are just some of the questions that can be addressed during divorce mediation. This process provides a way for couples to come to an agreement on all aspects of their separation without going to court. In this article, we will discuss the top three issues that can be addressed during this process.
- Child Custody
Child custody is, understandably, one of the most contentious issues to solve in any marital separation. After all, it typically involves two parents who both want what is best for their children. However, divorce mediation provides a way for parents to agree on custody arrangements that work best for everyone involved. This process can help couples avoid the often stressful and emotional process of going to court.
Issues that can be addressed include:
– How much time each parent will spend with the children
– Which parent will make decisions about the children’s education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
– How to handle holidays and special occasions
– What to do if one parent wants to move out of the state/territory or out of the country
2. Property Division
Another issue that can be addressed during divorce mediation is property division. This process can help couples reach an agreement on how to divide their assets, including their home, savings, and superannuation accounts.
Issues that can be addressed include:
– How to divide the couple’s money savings and super accounts
– Who will keep the family home
– How to divide any other assets, such as cars, furniture, and jewelry
3. Spousal maintenance
Another divorce-related issue that can be addressed during mediation is spousal maintenance, also known as alimony in the United States. This is the process of one spouse providing financial support to the other after the end of the marriage. In some cases, spousal maintenance may be ordered by a court. However, mediation can provide a way for couples to agree on this issue without going to court.
Issues that can be addressed include:
– The length of the marriage
– The financial needs of each spouse
– The earning capacity of each spouse
– The age and health of each spouse
How to find a great divorce mediation firm
If you are considering divorce mediation, it is important to find a firm that is right for you. There are many quality firms out there, so how do you know which one to choose? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure the firm has experience handling divorce mediation. You can ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used them in the past.
- Schedule a consultation with the firm. This will give you a chance to meet with the mediators and ask any questions you may have about the process.
- Make sure the mediators are certified by a professional organization.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with some useful information about divorce mediation. If you are ending your marriage, this could be a good option for you. It can help you address a variety of difficult issues, including child custody, property division, and spousal maintenance. And when it comes to finding a firm to oversee the process, make sure to keep the above tips in mind.
While engaging in this process will cost money, it will ultimately save you money otherwise spent in a lengthy court battle with your spouse. Good luck!
