People resolve to be happier, healthier and more productive over the next 12 months. And for some people, this could involve ending their marriage.
In fact, people often refer to January as “Divorce Month”, because it is the month in which many couples decide to file for divorce. If this includes you, and if you are among the many people looking to make 2019 a more fulfilling and less stressful year for you, then considering mediation as the means of divorcing should be at the top of your list of priorities.
Resolving to mediate
It can come as a surprise to people that many divorces do not happen in front of a judge in a courtroom. In reality, many occur in mediation sessions with parties negotiating resolutions to divorce-related issues such as child custody and property division.
Unless your split is especially complex or contentious, you should prepare to work through at least some of the matters in mediation.
Mediation is a less expensive, more efficient means of dissolving a marriage. In many counties, it is a required step in domestic litigation. It also allows parties to come up with their own agreements, rather than being told what to do by a judge. As such, it can make a difficult process a little easier, less stressful and more amicable than you might expect.
Moving forward
Not only can mediation make the divorce process itself a little easier, it can also make the phase after divorce less painful, as well.
For instance, if you are a parent and are able to mediate solutions with the other parent of your child, adjusting to your new custody schedule and parenting plan can go more smoothly. Not only will you have both agreed to the terms in your mediation already, but you have the flexibility to come up with solutions that best fit your needs.
There can be less anger over matters like spousal support and property division when you negotiate these agreements together.
Mediation can be a powerful resource in helping you navigate a divorce — and life after divorce — more peacefully. As such, it is certainly worth considering as you focus on building a better life for yourself this year.