There are many myths and lies that surround divorce mediation. Many people
that don’t have a full understanding of the mediation process might
think it is or isn’t for them. Our
Irvine divorce mediation lawyers shed some light on what you should know about mediation and what is Fact
or Fiction.
Common Mediation Myths and Their Truths
Myth: Mediation is more effort than just hiring a lawyer to handle it.
The Truth: No matter what you choose to do, it will be a process. If you go through
the court system, a lawyer will not just handle it all for you while you
get to kick-back and relax. You will have to make difficult decisions
no matter what. Mediation is a process designed around decision making
and compromise. An effective mediator can take you from step A to step
B, and beyond, efficiently and effectively, without the obstacles created
by conflict.
Myth: Finding compromise will make the process take longer.
The Truth: In most situations, mediation takes less time than litigation. Unless
the spouses have found a compromise beforehand, using litigation attorneys
can extend the process, even if they are able to settle out of court.
Myth: Any lawyer can handle the mediation process.
The Truth: Divorce mediation is not like the litigation process. Many litigation
lawyers are unable to navigate the nonadversarial approach to mediation.
It is important that if you are looking to have a mediated divorce, you
find an attorney that handles mediation and understands the differences
in the process.
Myth: The mediator controls the mediation process.
The Truth: When you go through a mediated divorce, you control the aspects of your
divorce. The process is about you and your spouse finding compromise on
your own; the mediator simply guides the divorce and handles the logistics.
When deciding support, custody, property division, and more, you are the
one who gets the final say.
To learn more about mediated divorce,
contact the Center for Mediated Divorce today.