With so many benefits of divorce mediation, such as the opportunity to save time and money, it’s natural for you to want to go down this path.
Even if you don’t think divorce mediation will work, you may be surprised to find that it’s the best way to retain control as you work through your differences.
It’s critical that you take all the steps necessary to properly prepare for divorce mediation. Here’s what you should do:
- Know the issues at hand: Have a clear idea of the issues that you need to resolve in mediation. This can include things such as property and debt division, child custody, child support, visitation rights and spousal support. Don’t let anything slip through the cracks.
- Collect all the necessary documentation: If it’s something you think you’ll need during divorce mediation sessions, keep it in a safe place. Examples include pay stubs, bank account statements, retirement account statements and a property division checklist.
- Get in the right frame of mind: Even if you’re going through a messy divorce, do your best to forget about the past and focus on the here and now. It’s critical that you get into the right frame of mind early on, as this allows you to efficiently move through the process.
Along with the above, now’s a good time to form a support group. There’s nothing easy about moving through the divorce process, even if you’re using mediation. You’ll need people to lean on, so create a support group full of friends, family and anyone else who can assist you during this challenging time.
When you prepare the right way for divorce mediation, it’s easier to feel confident in your ability to tackle every detail associated with the process.
There will be times when you feel like giving up, but don’t abort mediation too soon. Give it an honest try, as it’s often preferred to spending time in a conventional courtroom setting.
Proper preparation will put you on the track to success. When your mediation is finally behind you, you’ll look back and realize that it was in your best interest.
