Going through a divorce is challenging. Not only are there physical and emotional issues involved, but ending a marriage will also cause some financial distress for you and your family. Fortunately, mediation can make the process easier. Even though it is meant to be less stressful and more affordable, many couples make a few costly mistakes during the mediation process. Here are a few mediation mistakes you need to avoid.
Hiding Financial Documents
A common mistake many people make is not disclosing all financial documents to the attorney and mediator during the divorce. You or your spouse may believe it is best to hide assets, bank statements, cash, collectibles, stocks, bonds, or even cryptocurrency in hopes that they do not have to share these assets with their ex.
Unfortunately, hiding financial documents and assets can be problematic. It can cause emotional distress, arguments, and legal ramifications while extending the time it takes to finalize the divorce.
Make sure to bring any and all financial documents and proof of assets to the mediation. Your mediator will disclose why this is important and even offer examples of what documents are essential to bring.
Considering Mediation with Litigation
One of the benefits of mediation is that it does not require time in court or time in front of a judge. This saves you time and money, since there are less fees associated with the divorce. Many couples confuse mediation with litigation, believing they will be "fighting it out" in front of a judge, but really mediation involves discussing and making compromises with the help of a third-party individual – the mediator.
If you and your spouse are not in agreement on a particular matter, mediation can still work. The mediator will help you both come to an efficient compromise, hopefully without long emotional battles and physical stress.
Not Being Able to Compromise
Again, a successful divorce mediation is all about compromise. If you want to end the marriage in the most peaceful way possible using mediation, you and your spouse will both need to be flexible.
Be willing to compromise even if it means you will not "win" something you want. Your spouse will also have to be willing to make these compromises.
If you want to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial stress of divorce, mediation is a great option. However, a successful mediation will require proper planning and understanding and avoiding these common mistakes.
Visit a site like thechesapeakemediationgroup.com for more help.