If you’re contemplating divorce or have already filed for one, you may have heard the term “divorce mediation.”
What is mediation, exactly?
Mediation is a flexible method of resolving conflict in which a neutral third party or mediator facilitates a dialogue between parties to assist them in coming up with their own mutually acceptable solution. In many circumstances, a court will require it.
Divorce mediation, therefore, is a procedure in which a divorcing couple meets with a divorce mediator to help them settle divorce-related problems. Divorce mediators are highly qualified specialists who can assist you in reaching agreements on the complex issues that arise during the divorce process.
Stages of Mediation in Colorado
The mediation process includes the following stages:
- Introduction
This is the initial step in the mediation process, during which you and your spouse identify yourselves to the mediator and explain the circumstances behind your divorce. They will then discuss the action you plan to take and how the rest of the mediation process will go. - Information gathering
You and your spouse will be required to provide your financial assets and details about your children at this stage. You’ll also talk about your case’s legal duties and any other information the mediator might need. - Outlining
With the mediator’s assistance, you and your spouse will individually outline why you want specific results. Individual ambitions, priorities, beliefs, and concerns about the divorce, property division and child custody , might be included. - Negotiation
Any conditions from the previous stage that the other spouse disagrees with will be discussed at this stage to try to establish a compromise or a mutually accepted solution. - Conclusion
The mediator will draft a tentative settlement agreement that specifies all of the conditions mentioned once all of the terms have been negotiated and agreed upon. The agreement will then be reviewed by both spouses, who will consult with their respective lawyers if necessary. If the terms are clear and fair, the mediator will create a memorandum of agreement stating the settlement terms, which will serve as the basis for seeking a mutual divorce.
Preparing for Divorce Mediation
It’s important to know how to prepare for a Colorado divorce mediation, whether you’re going because the court ordered it or you want to avoid costly litigation. It will save you time and money while also increasing your chances of finding a successful long-term solution.
Whether you’re pursuing mediation because it’s court-ordered or because you want to avoid costly litigation, it’s worthwhile to know how to prepare for a Colorado divorce mediation. It will save you time and money and increase your chances of finding a lasting resolution.
Here are the basics:
Find a reputable divorce mediator
In a divorce mediation, you should work with specially-trained mediators who are prepared to deal with the complexities of legal separation and can assist you in reaching agreements on the problematic issues that come with divorce. In the divorce process, a highly regarded and experienced divorce mediator familiar with Colorado mediation rules may save you time, money, and peace of mind.
Divorce mediation services are less expensive and quicker than a divorce trial. If you’re thinking about divorce mediation, Colorado has divorce attorneys that are also certified mediators. Consider their training, how long they’ve been in the profession, how many cases they have mediated, and their mediation style when selecting the ideal divorce mediator for you.
Seek divorce counseling
Divorce is a traumatic life event that causes stress, anguish, sadness, shock, denial, despair, and other negative and overpowering feelings. Couples going through a divorce or preparing for divorce mediation need physical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Couples who want to work through problems swiftly and dissolve their marriage as amicably and inexpensively as possible may seek divorce counseling. It aids those going through a divorce to achieve closure and move on to a new life. Divorce counseling can assist parties in coping with their emotions and facilitating the divorce mediation process. Working through angry feelings in therapy, for example, can help guarantee that these emotions do not interfere with the divorce mediation process.
Prepare the documents required for divorce mediation
Before beginning a Colorado divorce mediation process, the parties must prepare financial and other types of documentation as needed by law. Tax returns, pay stubs, real estate property appraisals, W-2 forms, bank account information, life insurance policies, and other papers fall into this category.
To understand more about the particular documents, forms, and other material that should be prepared for a successful mediation process, it’s a good idea to talk with an experienced divorce lawyer or mediator.
If children are involved, child-related concerns must also be resolved prior to mediation.
Therefore, the best time for mediation is after these major aspects have been ironed out but before divorce procedures begin.
Contact a Divorce Mediation Attorney
Mediation is a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to going to court for resolving a marriage conflict. A divorce mediation attorney may assist you in determining the laws that apply to your situation and evaluating the merits of your claim.
Goldman Law, LLC successfully settles marital conflicts by assisting you through any stage of the dispute objectively and cost-effectively. To book a personal consultation with our experienced divorce mediation specialist, call us at (602) 730-9284 or email us through our contact form.
The post Preparing for a Colorado Divorce Mediation appeared first on Goldman Law, LLC.