Mediation is a way for couples to make decisions for their divorce. The first step is deciding to get a divorce. Although this is a hard decision, it may prove to be beneficial for the individuals in the end. Once the spouses file the paperwork for a divorce, they may enter into a contested or uncontested divorce. With an uncontested divorce, they can use divorce mediation to resolve marital issues before they go their separate ways. During mediation, spouses attend sessions with a third party mediator. This mediator is a neutral party in the process. When attending these sessions, spouses are able to bring their attorneys with them. They may feel more comfortable with legal aid by their side. During this process, an attorney can assist them by easing their worries. Their attorney may be able to handle some of the decisions for them to make it easier on the spouse. At these sessions, spouses should cooperate with one another to make final decisions on their issues. Although these sessions may decide on child custody arrangements and child support, the children should not be brought to these sessions. They should be left with family members or loved ones that can take care of them. Children can be sensitive to the topic of their parents divorcing. Having children present at the sessions may impede upon the decision-making process.
Who can end mediation?
Although divorce mediation can be a useful way for couples to decide on issues, it may prove to be unsuccessful for some couples. Since the cooperation of both parties is vital to this process, sometimes it is not possible for both parties to get along. This can cause the process to not work. When mediation is not going as planned, spouses have the ability to end the process. Either spouse can mediation at any time. If they believe their spouse is not cooperating, they may wish to bring the case to court. If they are not getting any desirable decisions, they may think that they have better luck in court with a judge’s discretion. This may cause them to end mediation and enter into a contested divorce instead.
The divorce process can be challenging, but our team at Ilkhanoff & Silverstein are dedicated to fighting for your best interests. Since 1999, our York divorce lawyers have guided our clients through this emotional and stressful time with compassionate client service and results-driven legal counsel.
