Divorce Mediation Myths

 Posted on April 23, 2018 in Family Law

Divorce mediation gives couples who are ending their marriage the opportunity to resolve problems outside of the courtroom. It involves a mediator who points out certain issues and helps couples come to mutual agreements. The goal of the mediator is to remain neutral but allow each spouse see both sides clearly. Five of the most common mediation myths include:

1. Mediation is not for couples who do not agree on anything.

It is important to note that you do not have to agree on everything with your spouse. The purpose of mediation is to assist you and your spouse in resolving divorce problems outside of court. A mediator can help you find a common ground and come to an agreement with your spouse.

2. Marital assets can only be divided fairly in court.

Many couples are wary of mediation because they believe that it will prevent their marital assets from being divided fairly. If you go through a divorce, your marital assets will be divided fairly regardless of whether you go to court or not. If you opt for mediation, you will have more control of how your assets are divided and will not have to depend on a judge to divide them.

3. Mediators try to convince couples to work on their marriage instead of getting divorced.

Contrary to popular belief, mediators are not therapists or judges. Their role is to act as a neutral third party and guide discussions that lead to decisions. You do not have to worry about a mediator pressuring you to save your marriage. Keep in mind that they have no right to make decisions in your case.

4. Mediation is more time consuming than going to court.

It is true that mediation sessions take some time. However, they are far quicker than traditional divorce proceedings in court. You can choose when you attend mediation sessions and do not have to worry about the schedule of the court or judge.

5. Mediation is right for everyone.

Every divorce case is different. While mediation makes sense in some cases, it is not appropriate in others. If your spouse is hiding assets, has impaired judgment because of alcohol or drugs, or there is emotional or physical abuse in your relationship, you should proceed with a traditional divorce instead of mediation.

Contact Our DuPage County Divorce Lawyers

If you are wondering whether mediation is a good option for you or have any questions about it, we encourage you to contact our experienced DuPage County divorce lawyers today.