Divorce does not necessarily have to be a public battle. Unless your family’s circumstances demand court action, such as your spouse acting in bad faith or engaging in abusive behavior, you can opt for an amicable alternative through mediation.
Mediation is when you and the other party meet with a qualified and neutral mediator to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The family mediator must comply with Vermont’s practice standards as they facilitate the session – listening to both your concerns, identifying conflict areas, considering possible solutions and developing agreements.
Aside from securing cost and time savings, mediation can also help keep your affairs confidential.
Mediation can protect your privacy
You may want to maintain a discreet divorce for various reasons. For instance, you may want to separate your personal and professional lives. Open court proceedings that generate public records may adversely affect your reputation at work.
Also, you may want to preserve control of the situation instead of leaving it up to the court. Then, suppose you disagree with the judge’s decision. In this case, the emotional and financial burdens may pile up, causing additional disputes and impacting your family’s well-being.
Ultimately, the ideal scenario is for you and your ex-spouse to approach mediation, both willing to cooperate and compromise, so that your private family matters remain within the family.
However, constructive mediation also hinges on the mediator’s skill in conducting a thorough and fair process. So, your choice of a mediator can make or break your chances of facing divorce free from public attention.
Mediation also requires legal advice
While a mediator can give legal information, they are not always in a position to provide formal advice. Unless you have a mediator and lawyer in one, it will still be wise to have a legal team to guide and support you during the process. Doing so can help you come into the session more confidently, well-informed about your options and potential outcomes.
