Divorce Mediation in Norfolk
Even a simple divorce can be difficult. When a couple fights over the issues of a divorce such as child custody or property, the process becomes immensely more stressful. But ending a marriage does not have to be a contentious experience that ends with hard feelings on both sides. Through a process known as divorce mediation, couples can minimize the negative effects the divorce process has on their emotions, bank accounts and futures.
The benefits of divorce mediation
One of the main benefits of mediation is that it puts divorcing couples in charge of their own decisions. This is especially helpful for parents. Divorce mediation prevents much of the bitterness that can adversely affect children. And, by working together, the parents can learn a healthy model for conflict resolution that might be useful for future joint-decisions. In addition, the settlements reached during divorce mediation tend to last because rather than letting attorneys do the bulk of the negotiations, a husband and wife are provided an environment where they can decide their future.
The divorce mediator
A Norfolk divorce mediator is a specially trained neutral party whose role is to help spouses resolve divorce issues. They perform the following:
- Facilitate communication between spouses
- Provide information about the legal system (but do not give advice)
- Refer spouses to experts (such as appraisers)
The mediation process
A couple meets with their divorce mediator in a number of sessions that typically last an hour or two and progress in the following way:
- 1st meeting: The issues that need to be resolved are identified and it is decided what information, if any, needs to be collected and shared. Between the first meeting and subsequent sessions, the couple gathers all the information that is required, including consulting experts such as accountants.
- Later meetings: The divorce mediator helps the couple reach a compromise on the issues that is fair to both spouses. Again, the mediator may not give advice, but can answer questions about the legal system and describe the ways in which divorce issues are commonly solved.
- Agreement: If and when an agreement is reached on the issues, the divorce mediator drafts an agreement to be reviewed by each spouse and their divorce attorney (if they have one). After that, the agreement and other paperwork must still be filed with the court in order to make the divorce final.
Contact Stallings and Bischoff, P.C., for a divorce mediator in Norfolk
If you want to forego an expensive and emotionally draining divorce through litigation, we can help. Our Norfolk divorce law firm are trained in divorce mediation and can help you decide whether it is the right way to end your marriage. If you decide that it is, we can assist you through the process and towards a peaceful resolution of your divorce issues. Contact Stallings & Bischoff today.
