When moving forward with mediation to end your marriage, it is critical to understand the mediation process and its stages. The framing stage is an essential one for divorcing spouses to familiarize themselves with as they begin this journey.
First, know the stages of mediation
Just as every divorce is different, every mediation strategy and approach will differ as well. After all, mediation gives the spouses control over their divorce. Even so, the stages of mediation generally include the following:
- Often, attending an orientation to help prepare for mediation, which is required in North Carolina’s child custody mediation
- Collecting all of the relevant information, from financial documents to work and school schedules
- Framing, or articulating each spouse’s needs and goals
- Negotiating the terms of your divorce
- Creating the settlement
All of these stages are equally important in the mediation process. However, as the individual going through the divorce, it is critical to understand and prepare for the framing stage in particular.
Framing = Understanding and highlighting your goals
This stage is all about determining your specific goals for the divorce settlement and your future. For example, you should consider these questions:
- What are your concerns about the divorce or the future after the divorce?
- What are your priorities?
- How will your needs be met after the divorce?
You likely have an idea of the answers to these questions. However, it is important to evaluate these questions and issues carefully. Creating measurable, defined goals proactively can help you approach this stage – and the whole mediation process – more effectively.