Getting divorced can take a toll on you emotionally, mentally, and physically. Dealing with all the paperwork and making decisions that will significantly affect every aspect of your life, especially in a divorce that may take months or even years to finalize, can be stressful, and the process can be expensive. Fortunately, apart from the conventional long, unpleasant court battles, there are other ways to settle matters in a divorce. One of these ways is divorce mediation.

What is divorce mediation?

In divorce mediation, the couple comes together to resolve the issues that may arise in the divorce. The process is guided by a specially-trained and impartial mediator who will help the divorcing couple reach a mutually satisfactory agreement on divorce-related issues.

The topics covered during divorce mediation include but aren’t limited to distribution of property, child custody, spousal support, and parenting time.

In mediation, the decision-making power remains with the couple. The mediator doesn’t take the role of a lawyer or force the couple into an agreement. Mediators only serve as facilitators. The mediator’s work is to keep the lines of communication open, teach empathy, keep the couple focused, and assist them in the decision-making process.

What are the benefits of divorce mediation?

Below are a few reasons you should consider mediation if you plan to get a divorce.

  1. It’s faster than the court process
    You can start the mediation process whenever you and your spouse are ready and set a timeframe for resolving your divorce-related issues. You don’t need to wait for a court date or for your lawyers to coordinate their calendars.
  2. It’s cost-effective
    If your divorce goes to court, it can get expensive as you must consider your lawyer’s fees and court costs. With mediation, you can choose if, when and how to involve lawyers, thus managing your expenses. For example, you can choose to have your lawyer attend mediation with you, or you can have them review the mediation agreement before you sign.
  3. It’s private and confidential
    All the documents, communication, and notes in divorce mediation are confidential and privileged. If you and your spouse do not reach an agreement in mediation, the information cannot be later used against you as evidence in a trial.

Divorce mediation in Surrey

At Highland Law, our family lawyers have experience helping couples negotiate and settle divorce cases outside the courtroom. We can help you define the issues that need to be addressed during mediation and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Call us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.