Tips for a Successful Divorce Mediation
As Florida law now requires you to try divorce through mediation or collaboration before appearing in front of a judge (in most cases), going into talks with someone you no longer care to be around can feel daunting. However, as a mediation divorce attorney, we have some tips to help you have successful divorce mediation sessions.
1. Hire an Experienced Mediation Divorce Attorney
There are many divorce lawyers serving Largo, Clearwater, and the rest of Pinellas County. Not all of them are experienced in divorce mediation. When you hire an experienced mediation divorce attorney, they can better help you throughout the process than one who rarely handles mediation cases.
2. Plan Your Conversation
The better you and your mediation divorce attorney plan the conversation, the better your chances to get more of what you want in the settlement. Knowing what is most important to you and keeping that in the forefront of the conversation can help.
3. Listen
It is hard to listen to someone with whom you may have only been arguing with in the recent past. However, for a successful divorce mediation, you will need to listen to your soon-to-be former spouse. Find out what they want and their reasons for wanting it. It may give you leverage later on when you want something they are not wanting to give.
4. Step Away When You Come to an Impasse
No matter how cordial a divorce, most couples end up arguing at some point during the mediation. If the mediation escalates into yelling or arguing and you seem to be at an impasse, it may be time to step away to clear your mind. Sometimes when you take a step back and think about what you are fighting about, you realize it may not be worth the battle.
5. Be Willing to Compromise
Chances are that there are things you and your spouse both want. Those are the places where you may need to compromise. You will find that your soon-to-be ex-spouse may be willing to compromise at times as well.
Call Wagstaff & Pitelis When You Need a Mediation Divorce Attorney
Our team has helped individuals through the difficult process of divorce through mediation. If you are looking for a divorce attorney with experience in mediation and collaboration, or are at the point where you need to go to court, call Wagstaff & Pitelis to learn more about our services. Reach us at (727) 584-8182 or fill out our contact form.