Going through a divorce is a different and highly personal process for every couple. Many turn toward mediation in these times.
When going through mediation, you will work closely with a mediator, so it is important to know their duties and responsibilities.
Guiding a couple through discussions
FINRA discusses the purpose of mediation. Mediation allows for both parties in a couple to work through their divorce terms together, without the influence or say of a court. It provides them with more personal control, and many find this extremely worth having to deal with negotiations.
A mediator is there to make the negotiations go more smoothly. They will help guide both parties through conversation with the ultimate goal of reaching a compromise that both parties find agreeable.
Providing unique opinions
They provide unique advice and opinions from a third-party, neutral perspective. At the same time, they do not have the same sort of power that a judge or arbitrator does. They cannot provide a solution for you; this is up to the couple to find on their own terms, which many value.
De-escalating arguments
A mediator may also provide dispute escalation management if needed. Though many couples who opt for mediation have a decent enough relationship that they can converse normally, tensions are often high in divorce and arguments do happen. If they begin to get out of hand or spiral, a mediator can step in and bring everyone back down a few notches.
Mediation does not work for every couple, but it does provide a good service to many who need it.