Marital Conflicts
Every marriage hits a bump or an obstacle. Many couples find these challenges overwhelming. Mediation is a sensible process for couples who want to overcome the challenges, move forward, and remain married. The mediation process is also useful for couples with irreconcilable differences who are unraveling a marriage.
Mediation is a process in which a couple can voluntarily work with one or more mediators to resolve disputes. A mediator is a neutral third party who assists a couple in conflict to communicate, identify relevant issues and voluntarily reach an agreement. The terms of the agreement are chosen by the couple. While a mediator may help with issue identification and option development, a mediator does not tell the couple how to resolve their conflict, nor does a mediator provide legal advice.
Negotiations can stall when a couple in conflict deals with emotionally charged issues. Mediation is not marriage counseling, yet a mediator may assist the couple to explore their needs and express their emotions, which helps move stalled negotiations.Couples who chose mediation to resolve conflict are more likely to be comfortable living with the terms of their agreement as opposed to couples who have the terms of an agreement dictated by a stranger in a black robe.
If obsessive control and/or abuse is present in the marriage, litigation may be the only option for the couple. However, litigation often increases conflict and stress, which pour over onto children, family, and co-workers. Furthermore, litigation may make cooperative parenting more difficult.
Child custody, visitation, spousal support, and property settlement can be worked out in mediation. Upon request a mediator can draft the terms on which the couple agree. Couples need not wait months to get into a court of law to resolve their conflicts. Mediation reduces stress and allows couples and their families to get on with the rest of their lives sooner.
