Gone are the days when you had little choice but to end your marriage through a bitter court battle. Today, divorce couples may opt for alternative forms of dispute resolution, including divorce mediation. With mediation, you work with a mediator to reach consensus on divorce-related matters, like property division, spousal support or even child custody.
While there are many advantages to choosing divorce mediation, you must be sure you find the right mediator for your divorce. Here are three tips for doing so.
1. Find common ground
Selecting the mediator is your and your soon-to-be ex-spouse’s first opportunity to work together on a divorce-related matter. Because the mediator you choose provides the foundation for a successful mediation, you and your husband or wife must find one that is acceptable to both of you. If you or your spouse has meaningful objections, it may be better to continue looking.
2. Look for expertise
Because mediators work in many different arenas, there is no such thing as a standard mediator. When choosing yours, look for expertise in family matters and divorce. If you follow this approach, your mediator should understand the complexities that often accompany the end of a marriage.
3. Prioritize trust
Trust is arguably the most important factor in a successful divorce mediation. All effective mediators are genuine, honest and trustworthy. Therefore, only choose your divorce mediator after you are certain he or she intends to listen to your concerns and respect your viewpoints. If a prospective mediator does not seem willing to honor these obligations, he or she is not a good fit.