Sometimes a couple’s marriage becomes so broken that the best option is for the couple to divorce. However, this doesn’t mean the discord that lead to the end of the marriage has to carry on through the divorce process. Couples in Florida who want a more amicable split may want to try mediating their divorce first. Before making such a decision, it is important to understand the role of the mediator in a divorce.
First, the mediator is a neutral third party. He or she will not be making any binding decisions. While the mediator may provide information about the law, they will not advocate for either spouse or provide legal advice pertaining to either spouse’s specific situation.
Mediators will help the spouses clarify their feelings about why they want to divorce. Mediators can also encourage spouses to consider how divorce will impact their family, their financial situation and their health. If either party is ambivalent regarding the divorce, mediators can help these parties determine whether divorce is right for them.
Mediators can help couples determine the pros and cons of divorce, and they can help couples set clear goals. This may include creating a timeline, steps the couple will take in the mediation process and how decisions will be made.
In the end, mediators provide couples with the mutual understanding they need to negotiate a divorce settlement in a productive manner. Divorce issues such as child custody, spousal support and property division can be thorny. But, with the facilitation of a mediator, couples can work through these issues in a way that benefits them both. Mediation provides couples with a path towards an amicable divorce, which many may prefer.