When married couples in Minnesota decide to divorce, conflict is all but inevitable. They probably disagree about many important considerations, ranging from property division and financial support to child custody arrangements. The disputes that arise during the divorce can lead to intense emotions and may trigger additional damage to the relationship between the spouses. That can be a concern for those who need to interact with one another regularly, including those who have children together.
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution option that may benefit those preparing for divorce without full agreement on what that process might entail. Successful mediation efforts can lead to a much more amicable divorce.
By promoting compromise
The goal of a mediation session is to work through disagreements and reach a compromise that everyone agrees is acceptable. Therefore, spouses to hear about one another’s perspectives and desires to work toward a compromise they can both accept. Those who attend divorce mediation may have an easier time empathizing with their spouse after hearing their side of the story than those who dehumanize and villainize their spouses during the divorce process.
By providing privacy
Often, people feel highly emotional during divorce, in part because they want the courts to grant them justice. They may feel as though they cannot talk about issues including adultery, spousal abuse and substance abuse disorders. If details about those issues became public knowledge, that might affect the earning potential of the spouses.
People can end up feeling very bitter when they must keep certain details private and then do not receive what they believe to be a fair outcome for their divorce. The confidential nature of Minnesota mediation may help people feel comfortable about sharing certain details that they believe should influence the term set in a divorce. The ability to discuss those concerns while settling marital matters may ultimately lead to greater satisfaction with the outcome of the divorce.
By requiring direct communication
Mediation can take place in separate spaces when spouses are in a particularly high conflict situation. However, most families mediate with both spouses interacting directly with one another. This approach can help people redevelop their communication skills, which may have broken down toward the end of their relationship. Communicating directly and professionally with one another can help establish a more peaceful and amicable tone for the relationship overall. Particularly when the divorcing individuals have children together, they may need to continue communicating with one another for years to come.
Going through mediation or otherwise attempting to pursue a lower-conflict divorce can limit relationship damage caused by divorce proceedings.