While the mention of divorce might conjure images of heated arguments to the imagination, very few people actually want to undergo a contentious separation. If you would rather have a smooth, amicable and low-conflict divorce, mediation can help you achieve it.
Mediation is a process that occurs outside of court and therefore empowers you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse to control the pacing and outcomes of your divorce. By understanding how this process contributes to the possibility of a low-conflict divorce, you can decide how best to proceed with your separation.
Mediation provides unbiased guidance
Much of the conflict that arises in a typical divorce stems from a lack of understanding and communication. With mediation, however, an unbiased mediator will facilitate amicable communication and provide impartial guidance to help you understand how to proceed in a way that benefits both parties. You and your spouse will each have a chance to advocate for your own priorities, but the outcome is more likely to be one that satisfies each of you.
Mediation promotes cooperation
In the absence of a judge, it is up to you and your spouse to determine the outcome of mediation. Though a mediator will be present to help every step of the way, you still must cooperate to resolve all the issues that are on the table. When you achieve this healthy level of cooperation, it can ensure that your divorce remains low-conflict and that your relationship stays positive even after the split.
Not only does mediation often lead to lower levels of conflict in divorce, but it also tends to be a quicker process overall. If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse agree that a less stressful divorce is preferable, mediation may be the next step to take.