When it comes to divorce proceedings, it does not always have to be the stress-filled, name-calling fiasco that television and the movies often portray. Mediation offers an alternative way to decide on asset and debt division as well as child custody. While this method is usually less expensive, faster and less stressful than litigation, not every couple is a good candidate, and the court process may be a better choice.
According to Money Crashers, a mediator is a third party that guides difficult discussions between the two parties. Mediators help with conflict-resolution and can suggest alternative solutions to issues. While couples do not have to be on the best of terms to benefit from this process, they do need to be open to talk with each other and negotiate an agreement.
Mediation can be great for partners who can communicate and be honest with each other, but Family Education outlines some scenarios in which mediation may not be a good option. To start with, a couple that is not communicating at all will not fare well in this process. A big reason to choose another method is if one spouse does not know all of the couple’s assets. A mediator does not have the power to force the other spouse to reveal all assets, but a judge does.
Mediation is not a good choice if one of the spouses is a bully. This often results in the weaker spouse not receiving the fair end of the deal. Mediation is also not good in abusive situations or if it seems as if the mediator is taking a side rather than remaining neutral.
