When going through a divorce, it is beneficial to have the guidance of other parties who know what they are doing.
This is one of the many benefits of mediation during a divorce. But what exactly is it, and what do mediators actually do?
Defining mediation
Forbes discusses potential divorce alternatives to less peaceful divorce methods like litigation. Though litigation has its place and uses, it is often very time-consuming, expensive, and creates high-tension situations for people who are already stressed enough as-is.
On the other hand, mediation offers a reprieve that is more time and cost effective, which can, in turn, save a couple a lot of stress.
First: what is mediation? It is not an attempt at mending a relationship, as some people falsely believe. Rather, it is an attempt to get both parties in a couple to work together toward a common end goal.
What do mediators do?
Mediators exist to facilitate this goal. They help guide the couple toward a reasonable agreement and modest compromises that both can tolerate. They do not have legal power in the way a judge or arbitrator does, so it is still up to the couple to figure out how they want to approach the situation.
However, mediators can step in and prevent arguments from getting out of hand. They can also provide unique opinions that a couple may not have arrived at on their own or seen from their own point of view. Thus, they provide a valuable service to any couple who wishes to have a more amicable divorce.