What Happens During Divorce Mediation?
Mediation is the process of reaching a resolution between two people in a peaceful and respectful manner. A neutral mediator, a person trained in conflict resolution, will guide both marriage partners to a fair resolution. This is often used as a last attempt to come to an agreement before the divorce moves to trial. Divorces that do not go to trial tend to be less stressful with smoother transitions from marriage to independence. If you are experiencing trouble with your divorce, do not hesitate to get in touch with an Oklahoma divorce attorney.
What to Expect During Mediation
There are three main stages of mediation. The introductory stage sets a formal tone and a sense of freedom to share concerns without judgment from others. If this is your first time, the mediator will explain a summary of the process and what the purpose of mediation is. This gives you and your partner an idea of what to expect.
The mediator will explain the importance of confidentiality, that is, the rule that nothing leaves the room. You and your partner will agree to certain rules that prevent conflict escalation. For example, the mediator will expect that only one person speaks at a time and that no interruptions will be made. This requires a lot of patience and self-control, which can be challenging when emotions are high. After this introduction, each of you will be allowed to voice your side of the story and what you want to happen.
Stage two is the problem-solving stage, where each person will be instructed to narrow down the discussion to interests and concerns. The problem-solving aspect comes into play when you start laying out different types of solutions to each of your problems. A mediator will help you analyze each potential solution for practical value.
Potential Outcomes of Mediation
The third stage of mediation is closure. Final decisions are made and will determine whether any disputes are resolved or left open to be resolved during trial. If any commitments are reached, your mediator will write them down in a document that is signed by all parties. No disagreements usually means that this document will be sent off for court approval.
However, having disagreements throughout your divorce process usually means your divorce will go to trial. Some mediators may lay out other options before the trial, but in most cases like these, a trial is inevitable unless both parties can reach a reasonable compromise. Divorce lawyers are sometimes able to guide each partner into an agreement, but if not, each lawyer will represent their client at the divorce proceedings.
Oklahoma City Family Lawyer
Do not hesitate to contact an Oklahoma family lawyer if you have financial concerns related to your divorce. You may be able to resolve divorce conflicts with the help of you and your partner’s lawyer. Call the Putnam Law Office at (405)-849-9149 for a consultation today. We can help you with child custody, division of finances, and changes to court orders for divorce. Mr. Putnam is an Oklahoma City, OK attorney who puts clients first.