The process of divorce can admittedly be stressful not only emotionally but also financially. In many situations, couples who are getting divorced resort to litigation to resolve their disputes. Unfortunately, the judge presiding over a divorce case may end up making decisions that are not personally favorable for one or both parties. This is why divorce mediation is growing in popularity in the United States, including in New Jersey.
With mediation, a couple can work together to address their differences during a divorce. They rely on a neutral third party to help them with resolving their issues. Divorce mediation is a multi-step process that offers an array of benefits.
Benefits of divorce mediation
One of the major benefits of mediation is it allows you to be in control during your divorce proceeding. You can work with your future ex to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement regarding matters such as asset division and property distribution. You can also work on a parenting agreement that both parties find satisfactory and that, most importantly, focuses on the best interests of their child.
Divorce mediation also offers the advantage of saving time, which, in turn, means you save money. Going to trial to resolve issues that arise during your divorce can be expensive, and it can also be time-consuming because the courts happen to be backlogged. For this reason, sometimes divorce litigation can take as long as five years.
What can I expect during divorce mediation?
During mediation, the mediator meets with the couple in several sessions that usually last anywhere from one hour to two hours. During the initial meeting, the three parties talk about what issues must be addressed and which ones should be discussed first. Then, they discuss the information that must be collected and shared.
After all necessary information has been gathered, the couple can move forward with discussing their different issues, with their goal being to meet both parties’ needs. The mediator can help them by giving them necessary information regarding the court system and how divorce matters are commonly resolved. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the divorce mediation process so that you can effectively achieve the outcome you desire during this type of family law proceeding in New Jersey.