When Mediation is Necessary In Divorce Proceedings

Getting divorced isn’t always easy. Many different matters must be decided, and resolution isn’t necessarily simple. Couples need to know when mediation is necessary in order to come to an agreement on some of the settlement issues of the divorce. When a divorce is at an impasse, it may be the time for mediation.

Understanding Mediation

Many people do not know what mediation is all about. Mediation is a method of resolving difficult divorce issues. A professional mediator works with spouses, with or without their own independent counsel, to help them get through some of the problematic areas of the settlement. There may be just one or two sticking points that can be more easily cleared up with help from a mediator. Couples may request a mediator through the court or they may seek services on their own.

Advantages of Mediation

Mediation does have some benefits to couples who are stuck in an acrimonious divorce. Mediation may allow couples to come to an agreement more quickly, and therefore may be less expensive than litigation alone. Mediation helps couples to focus on creating a decision together, rather than forcing spouses to defend their positions. It lets both people see the views of the other from a new perspective. It can also make the divorce easier for families, because there will be better compromise through the situation.

Reduce Stress

A lot of stress and anger often build up during a divorce. Even a divorce that starts out friendly can turn hostile once serious financial and family issues need to be discussed. The use of mediation can ease the resentment that has accumulated, and help couples work together to come to an understanding that is fair to both parties. One of the best things about mediation is that it can very quickly get a divorce back on the right path.

Divorce in Arizona

It is important to understand the divorce laws of Arizona. Generally, any assets or property that the couple has acquired during the marriage is considered marital property, and thus must be divided in an equitable manner in a divorce. The same holds true for debts. Debts that have accumulated during the marriage must also be distributed between both parties. Both spouses need to realize that a fair resolution is possible. Mediation will assist couples in compromising in order to resolve serious and difficult issues. Your divorce attorney is still necessary when seeking dissolution of marriage and will be available to guide you and answer questions throughout the process.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding When Mediation Is Necessary, or other family law issues, please feel free to contact Lindsay A.M. Olivarez at 480.461.5300, log on to udallshumway.com, or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.