Today’s post is the second in a series. It will continue to provide some basic information about divorce mediation and is designed debunk common misperceptions.
(Please see “Divorce Mediation: A Viable Alternative to Traditional Divorce” for more information.)
Post continued …
How do I know if my former spouse and I are good candidates for divorce mediation?
There is really no concrete rule as to who is or who isn’t a good candidate for divorce mediation. It will truly depend upon the unique dynamics of your relationship and/or your ability to work cooperatively.
However, if your relationship came to an end recently, it may be too early to get together and decide important divorce-related issues (i.e., child custody, child support, spousal maintenance or property division). The gravity of the situation may not have sunk in entirely or egos/emotions may still be too sensitive.
Similarly, if a significant amount of time has passed since you ended your relationship and the two of you are still on relatively poor terms, divorce mediation may not be a viable option.
For those couples who remain amicable or who have grown weary of fighting one another in court, divorce mediation may provide the relief and resolution they need.
Do I pick the mediator or does my former spouse do it?
The two options for selecting a divorce mediator are generally as follows:
- You and your former spouse choose a mediator Or
- The court will select a mediator
If you and your former spouse want to choose (and pay for) your own mediator, your attorneys will probably want to discuss the selection of a mediator. If your former spouse wants to pursue mediation but is unwilling/unable to share the expenses, you will probably make the decision.
If you and your former spouse want to use a court-appointed mediator, there will likely be no cost.
This post is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Contact a legal professional to learn more about divorce mediation.
Stay tuned for more from our Ft. Worth family law blog …
Related Resources:
- Divorce Truths: Mediation: An Alternative (DivorceSource.com)
