Divorce Mediation – 10 Necessary Steps To Avoid A Painful Mediation PRocess


Smith, Wykes & Oncken, P.C., Attorneys at Law, Sycamore, Illinois ...

1. Understand the Divorce Mediation Process

Mediation is a practice where couples planning to split meet out of court and resolve their issues. The process is facilitated by a qualified mediator who compiles the final draft of the divorce declaration that is acceptable to both parties. Over the course of several sessions, issues such as child custody, property rights, and financial issues are sorted through. The mediator is not there to provide legal advice. Some tips:

  • If possible, talk with people you know who have gone through mediation
  • Be realistic about your temperament; are you going to be able to sit in the same room with your spouse and calmly make these important decisions and consolations?
    • Talk with a psychologist if you have one.

2 – Choosing a Mediator

Choosing a qualified mediator who meshes with your personality will play a key role in successful divorce mediation. There are many sources you may utilize the help find a mediator to interview such as:

  • Internet Search Engines – just type in divorce mediator, your city into your favorite search engine
  • The yellow pages
  • Ask your attorney
  • Ask your therapist
  • Ask your pastor, rabbi, or other clergy member
  • State mediation associates
  • Etc.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a mediator

  • What training has the mediator completed?
  • How many years has the mediator been practicing?
  • How many successful divorce specific cases have they mediated?
  • How many divorce specific cases dropped out of mediation?
  • Do they provided a list of references?
  • Have they been published, trained other mediators, been asked to speak, or served on association boards?
  • What are the fees?
  • Do they offer a free consultation?

About the author: Mathew Sheasby is a high profile family law attorney serving the Inland Empire. A Certified Family Law Specialist, licensed by the California State Bar Board of Specialization, he also serves as Judge Pro Tem for the San Bernardino County court system.

With his reputation as an aggressive trial attorney and a history of successfully representing clients in high conflict, high asset custody and divorce cases, Mr. Sheasby is known for his ability to balance his clients’ needs and financial considerations with complex legal issues in the context of the litigation. His litigation expertise also prevails in the firm’s Civil Litigation division, representing a wide variety of consumers, businesses and their needs.

For more information on the Divorce Mediation process, please see his blog article series: How to Make the Most of Your Divorce Mediation: Child Custody Arrangements

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/law-articles/divorce-mediation-10-necessary-steps-to-avoid-a-painful-mediation-process-2948128.html