Divorce can be ugly, but it doesn’t have to be. If you want to avoid the emotionally and financially burdensome costs of going to court, mediation may be a viable option. Many family law courts request spouses to try mediation before resorting to other methods.
During mediation, divorcing spouses utilize a mutual third party to help them negotiate various aspects of their separation. Those can include asset division, child custody and spousal support payments. The mediator can act as the voice of reason in these situations and help guide both parties towards a workable agreement.
What are some of the benefits of mediation?
Aside from its cost-efficiency, mediation can lower the emotional tension that can come with divorce litigation. In some cases, couples may interact more with the mediator than they do each other.
These are a few other ways it can provide value:
- It’s voluntary: Neither spouse has to do it. If one party wishes to discontinue sessions, they have the freedom to do so.
- It’s confidential: Parties don’t have to worry about having their words held against them. Under Tennessee law, mediation sessions must be confidential. Tennessee mediators cannot document or save recordings of what happened during mediation sessions.
- It can provide spouses with more freedom: During mediation, both parties can be creative when working out a settlement. This is unlike divorce litigation, where parties may have to abide by specific legal remedies.
The outcome should satisfy both parties
When spouses go through divorce mediation successfully, they can reach a cost-effective settlement that satisfies both parties. This can allow them to focus on the future and continue their post-marital lives.