Divorce can be a challenging and emotional time for you and your former spouse. Finding a divorce mediator you can trust is a good first step toward reducing stress and ensuring the most positive outcomes for your case. Here are some key steps to help you prepare for divorce mediation in the state of California.
Commit to the Process
Divorce mediation requires the willing participation of both parties to the divorce. Discussing this option with your former partner can help you determine whether these arrangements make sense in your case. In general, divorce mediation works best for couples who are on relatively good terms with each other and who are willing to hear the other party’s voice so that both parties can achieve their goals during this process.
Collect Financial Records
An important part of the mediation process is compiling a comprehensive list of debts, assets and incomes to determine the most equitable way to divide these elements of your current property. By providing a full and honest accounting of the financial equation, you can build a rapport and create trust that can help you navigate the entire mediation process more effectively.
Be Prepared to Listen
During the divorce mediation process, you will be asked to identify the most important issues to be addressed during these proceedings. Being willing to hear the other person’s concerns and acknowledge the value and importance of those concerns is the key to ensuring that your mediation goes smoothly and that you achieve your most important goals in your divorce.
Consider the Welfare of Your Children
One aspect of divorce mediation California couples cite as most beneficial is the ability to put the interests of your children first. By working together, you and your former spouse can come to enduring agreements on a number of different issues:
- Where your children will live
- Parenting plans
- Medical care and insurance arrangements
- Educational options
- Religious or spiritual upbringing
- Child support
- Who will claim your children as dependents
If you opt for mediation over court proceedings for your divorce, you may be able to make adjustments to these arrangements without returning to the court to submit your request. This can streamline any changes and can help you maintain more control over the process during and after your divorce.
Choose an Experienced Mediator
Working with an experienced and qualified mediator can make a major difference in the quality of the results you achieve and the speed of the process. Your mediator should be responsive to your concerns and should have the right qualifications to perform these duties. Making sure that your mediator has the experience and expertise needed to handle your case can be critical to the success of your mediation process.
Divorce mediation can be less expensive and more convenient than comparable court proceedings. By preparing effectively to work together with your former partner and to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes, you and your former spouse may be able to reduce the stress typically associated with the traditional divorce process.