Electing to negotiate the terms of your divorce through mediation can be a smart decision with many benefits.
Not only are you more likely to reach a settlement quickly, but you and your spouse are less likely to waste money on contentious litigation – and less likely to end up frustrated and angry with the outcome.
Just as crucial as your choice to mediate is your choice of mediator.
A private mediator is often a qualified attorney or other non-biased professional who is certified in mediation techniques and who works with divorcing couples to meet their needs and reach their goals issue by issue.
The mediator is not hired by one spouse but by both, and as such has no agenda in favor of either.
As you review your options for mediator, consider the three types of mediation and try to determine which style would be most effective for resolving your unique issues.
Facilitative mediation
As its name would suggest, facilitative mediation is a technique by which mediators facilitate negotiation efforts between the two spouses rather than make hard and fast suggestions.
The general theory of facilitative mediation is that with enough time, both parties can arrive at solutions on their own or with minimal intervention.
Evaluative mediation
The goal of evaluative mediation is to reach a compromise or solution as swiftly and pragmatically as possible.
An evaluative mediator may offer significant input in how disputes could transpire if they end up going to court.
When you use an evaluative mediation technique, your individual needs may take a backseat to the overall objective of reaching a deal, thereby avoiding traditional litigation.
Transformative mediation
Transformative mediation is a newer technique that has roots in the mental health field. It prioritizes healing the emotional wounds of divorce in order to then work cooperatively toward resolutions on specific issues.
Instead of utilizing one single style of mediation, many mediators with adequate experience may take a more comprehensive approach, employing certain strategies from each technique.
Others may begin with one mediation style and move to another if the first does not prove effective.
Obtain legal support during your California divorce mediation
With an extensive background in all mediation techniques, we at the Law Offices of Rebecca Medina in Fresno and San Diego are here to help you reach sensible solutions in your divorce settlement.
To learn more about our qualifications, or to schedule a consultation today, call 559-324-5427 in Fresno or 858-285-4315 in San Diego, or contact our law firm online.
