Professional Support During Divorce Mediation
Even though divorce can be one of the most emotional and complicated processes you may face, divorce mediation provides a much simpler, less emotionally and financially taxing alternative to litigation. In general, divorce mediation addresses the following issues: parenting time, child support, division of assets and debts and spousal support. Mediation offers you and your spouse an opportunity to resolve your disputes amicably with the guidance of trained professionals. Here’s a look at the key professionals who may play a part in divorce mediation.
1. Divorce Mediator
Other than you and your spouse, the mediator plays a central role in the divorce mediation process. A mediator is a neutral, third party trained in family law and dispute resolution. Sometimes a mediator may be a therapist, a lawyer or a retired judge. The mediator will guide you and your spouse through the mediation process and facilitate productive discussions so your interests and your spouse’s interests are addressed, while helping you find mutually acceptable resolutions to the problems at hand.
A skilled mediator creates and maintains a respectful atmosphere, manages communication and focuses discussions toward solutions. A mediator does not give legal, financial, tax or any other advice that is outside the scope of the mediator role. Often the mediator will refer the spouses to lawyers, financial advisors, accountants or therapists if necessary so that you and your spouse can make informed decisions about your marital settlement agreement.
2. Family Law Attorney
While mediators guide you and your spouse through the mediation process, mediators do not give legal advice. You may turn to attorneys for legal advice, for clarification of the implications of decisions or to review proposed agreements. Consulting with or hiring an attorney does not undermine the mediation process, but rather, attorneys may support informed decision-making or otherwise support you in coming to an agreement with your spouse.
3. Financial Advisor or Analyst
Division of property and other financial matters are a significant aspect of divorce mediation. Whether you are financially savvy or whether you have no experience with finances, financial advisors can provide you with invaluable assistance including analyzing assets, liabilities, income and expenses to facilitate equitable distribution. In addition, financial advisors can help you assess your finances and guide you as you make financial agreements and decisions about your future. Financial advisors can also help you understand the short- and long-term impact of the decisions you make.
4. Real Estate Appraiser, Real Estate Agent or Mortgage Broker
Often, the family house is the largest and most valuable asset a couple owns. During divorce mediation, if there is a house or other real estate, decisions about how to handle real property depend upon appraisers who can establish market value, real estate agents who may help you sell the family home or help you find a new house, or mortgage brokers who offer options with regard to financing a new house or finding a way to help one spouse stay in the family home without the other spouse.
5. Accountant or Tax Advisor
During the divorce process, you and your spouse will make decisions about how to divide your property as well as other financial decisions. Because some of the decisions you make may have tax implications, it is a good idea to consult with an accountant or a tax advisor. Knowing how your decisions may impact your tax liability will help you make more informed decisions when making an agreement.
6. Child Therapist
Divorce involves making major life changes that can be confusing or overwhelming and when children are involved, the best interests of the children become paramount. You may consider working with a family or child therapist to learn about how the divorce may impact children at different developmental stages and also learn how to talk to your children about the changes that occur during divorce. In addition, a child therapist can help guide you toward creating a parenting plan that prioritizes your children’s needs.
7. Therapist
Emotional support during divorce mediation can be critical for managing stress and maintaining your focus on constructive outcomes. A therapist offers you the opportunity to discuss your experience, process your feelings about the divorce and moving on, and provide guidance and strategies for navigating difficult conversations and about effective communication.
Conclusion
Divorce mediation involves a variety of issues that require specialized expertise. Gaining information from experts to address legal, financial and emotional aspects of divorce can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the complexities of divorce with clarity and fairness. Couples who use the counsel of experts can achieve mutually acceptable agreements and move forward with greater confidence and peace of mind.
If you or someone you know is considering divorce and have questions about flat-fee divorce mediation, please call PXP Mediation today at (310) 486-8842.