When you’re going through a divorce, you probably want it to be over and done with as quickly as possible. One way that you might be able to make this a reality is to go through mediation.
Mediation is a procedure in which you and your ex will work with a neutral third party to come to terms with your divorce agreement. For some people, having that person acting as a go-between enables them to work out a deal with their ex. Mediation can be particularly useful when there are only a few “sticking points” in a divorce that might otherwise lead to lengthy litigation.
When is mediation likely to fail?
While mediation works in many cases, there are some instances in which it’s contraindicated. If there was an element of spousal abuse in the marriage or if either party is addicted to anything, mediation may not work. This is also a difficult process to undergo if one spouse is a narcissist because mediation requires compromise. A person with that mental health condition isn’t capable of negotiating or thinking about what’s best for anyone other than themselves. This means that mediation likely won’t even work for child custody situations.
Is mediation right for your divorce?
It’s imperative that you discuss your situation with your attorney so you know what’s possible. If you’re going to go through mediation, you need to ensure that you have a starting point and an idea of what kind of settlement you’d like to walk away with. Keep these in mind throughout the process. Don’t let your ex bully you into accepting something that’s not in your best interests.