Some people litigate their divorces, meaning they go to court and have a judge make all of the decisions. Others can file an uncontested divorce because they settle their matters outside of court.
If you would like an uncontested divorce, mediation can be a tool to help you and your ex work out your current disagreements and structure of settlements. Those with children may find that divorce mediation is particularly beneficial. Why might parents who need to share custody try mediation?
The children won’t have to go to court
If your children are older, they might need to make a statement in court or to the judge about their custody preferences. Even if they do not need to talk about the custody preferences, they might have to testify in a messy custody battle.
By settling custody matters in mediation, you can completely remove your children from that process and keep them out of court.
You can make a plan that actually works for your family
When coming up with a parenting plan, the judge will do their best to make arrangements that reflect the unique needs of your family, but their understanding of your needs will not be as comprehensive as your own.
With mediation, you and your ex have the opportunity to make a parenting plan that addresses your family’s needs and unique issues, like your child’s regular medical appointments or gymnastics practice.
You can start to rebuild a functional relationship
You and your ex constantly disagreeing will stress your children out more than most other aspects of your divorce. During mediation, you will have to work with one another and practice better communication skills. That in turn may help you transition into a healthier and more functional co-parenting relationship.
Thinking about the different tools that can help you arrange an uncontested divorce can help you retain control during the end of your marriage.