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Reaching Tough Agreements With The Help Of A Divorce Mediator

16 August 2021 by Louise Boyd

A family law attorney helps clients through the legalities of the divorce process. This lawyer works to achieve a satisfactory result for the client in issues that include child custody and spousal support. Sometimes a divorce mediator becomes necessary if the spouses reach a stalemate over any of these issues. Mediation allows the two individuals to complete the divorce without litigation.

In a reversal of the way most divorces were completed decades ago, only a small percentage now proceed to trial before a judge. Spouses typically want to avoid the expense of a court trial and the escalated animosity that tends to result. They have better control over the outcome through mediation rather than through a trial. The objective mediator guides them to agreements and compromises instead of having a judge make decisions.

Child Custody and Visitation

As a dispute example, the two might agree to share primary custody of the children but disagree about the schedule. One parent might insist on consistency while the other parent may feel it is unfair to be limited to three days every single week. That mother or father might want to have every other full weekend.

In some cases, the spouses are in complete disagreement. Each may demand primary custody and expect the other to accept relatively limited visitation, such as two weekends a month. This tends to happen when the relationship is hostile and they do not want to deal with one another very often. It also becomes a point of contention when one person wants to move away.

A mediator helps the couple figure out an agreement that is satisfactory for both. They will need to focus on what is best for their children and perhaps be more flexible in the schedule. The mediator is able to help resolve disagreements about school vacation days, holidays, and summer breaks as well.

Spousal Support

Long-term or lifetime spousal support has become uncommon. The divorce mediator can guide the couple toward an agreement about a short-term arrangement.

When one person earns significantly more than the other or if one spouse has been a homemaker, it is reasonable to pay support long enough for the individual to become independent. This might be a year or two, during which the individual receives training for a job that pays a living wage. Support would end if the individual receiving support were to remarry during that time frame.

For more information, contact a divorce remediation service, like Mediation Solutions LLC.

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