Divorce can be the right path forward for many couples, but that does not mean it is ever easy. There are many complicated issues to settle with your soon-to-be ex-spouse before the process comes to a close.
While many divorcing individuals choose to battle for their desired outcomes in court, choosing mediation can often bring about a more mutually-beneficial result. By knowing what crucial issues you can compromise on through mediation, you can decide if this is the best dispute resolution method for you.
Asset division
The divorce court will always advocate for an equitable division of marital assets between spouses, but this might result in one party losing out on personally meaningful possessions. Mediation allows you to reach a compromise where both sides keep what they want and can be especially preferable when dealing with complex assets such as retirement accounts.
Business ownership
If you or your spouse own a family business, then divorce can threaten the fate of that business. Mediation makes it possible for one spouse to keep full ownership of the business after divorce in exchange for an equitable share of other marital assets, rather than splitting ownership or liquidating the entire company.
Child custody
When there are children to consider, child custody often becomes the main focus of divorce proceedings. A judge has the obligation to rule in favor of a child’s best interests, but you might choose mediation as a way to keep control of your child’s upbringing strictly between you and your co-parent.
Choosing to mediate is a great option for amicable divorcees and those who prefer to keep their privacy. If you wish to settle matters outside of court, but mediation has you going around in circles, you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse might opt for arbitration instead.