When you got married, you likely expected to spend the rest of your life with your partner.
Unfortunately, CDC data indicates that one in 1,000 Massachusetts marriages ends in divorce. If you desire an amicable divorce that benefits you and your spouse, mediation may provide an ideal solution.
1. What benefits does mediation offer?
While you will still need to file the necessary paperwork and go to court, mediation eliminates the need for litigation. Along with lowering your costs, mediation typically provides you and your partner with a fair and beneficial settlement. Additionally, mediation puts control of your divorce in your hands instead of relying on the courts to decide life-changing decisions, such as custody and asset disbursement.
2. Does mediation work for everyone?
Mediation does not work in some situations. If your marriage involved domestic abuse or deceitfulness, mediation will likely not work. If you or your partner claims fault, hires a lawyer or delays the proceedings, it makes achieving successful mediation difficult.
3. What information will the mediator need?
Successful mediation requires honesty, openness and full disclosure. To ensure you and your spouse come to a balanced resolution, you should provide the mediator with everything requested. Items typically asked for include financial statements and a list of debts, assets and expenses. Additionally, come prepared with a list of key topics to negotiate.
Mediation has high success rates, often due to its non-binding nature. While it may not work in all cases, it may provide you with added freedom and a less-stressful way to move on.