When you hire a divorce mediation lawyer, this professional can help you and your spouse come to terms on issues that are typically the source of conflict in marriages, such as property division and child custody. A mediator is an impartial third party who does not propose solutions or work to “push” one side over the other. A mediator can also serve as an intermediary between you and your spouse, allowing you to communicate and collaborate without having lawyers present.
In addition to being trained in mediation, some mediators have backgrounds in law, psychology, social work, or business. When selecting a mediator, look for someone who has experience handling divorce cases and focuses on family law. Most importantly, your mediator should be able to handle complex and difficult topics, including spousal abuse, power imbalances, and financial issues.
Once you have selected a mediator, most will require that you and your spouse complete an information gathering session. During this session, both parties will be required to provide detailed information about their finances. This will include the values of all retirement accounts, 401ks and IRAs, savings and checking accounts, a vacation home, time-share, and any other assets.
Once you have completed this session, the mediator will set an agenda for your first mediation session. During this session, you will be given the opportunity to speak your piece, as will your spouse. The mediator may ask questions to clarify or get more insight into your point of view.