Divorce mediation in Kansas City is less expensive, less time-consuming, and provides more control and privacy than a contested divorce. If you have determined divorce mediation is right for you, these ten tips will help you to reach an agreement that works for both parties.
1. Understand What Mediation Is And Isn’t
It is a misconception that the purpose of divorce mediation in Kansas City is to resolve conflicts from your marriage. Conflict resolution is part of the process, but only conflict about how to move forward. Mediation should focus on the future, not the past.
2. Choose A Qualified Mediator
If there are unusual issues in your divorce or it is complicated in some way, be sure that your mediator knows how to handle that before you begin mediation.
3. Get prepared.
You can greatly increase your odds of a successful mediation by understanding how it works and everything you need to know before you enter the room. A mediator is unable to give you legal advice. If you’re pursuing an attorney-assisted mediation, consult your attorney to learn your legal rights and responsibilities, how property is divided in your state, and how alimony and/or child support are calculated. Then see a financial professional to review all your financial documents and be sure you understand what you have to divide and how your assets work.
4. Make A List Of Needs And Wants
You can’t negotiate effectively unless you know the minimum you can accept and everything you are hoping for. Create a budget so that you know exactly what you need, and separate what you really want from what you’d like but don’t care a lot about.
5. Anticipate Your Spouse’s Needs And Wants
Thinking through what is likely to be important to your spouse prior to entering divorce mediation in Kansas City will empower you to make better negotiations.
6. Provide Documents On Time
It is critical that you provide documentation of things like property appraisals, pension information, etc. by deadlines. The longer you draw it out, the less likely your mediation will be successful.
7. Share All Relevant Information Honestly
You and your spouse both must reveal and openly disclose to the mediator and to your spouse all relevant information, financial and otherwise, that is truthful, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Honesty and transparency are critical to the mediation process.
8. Take A Break
If you start to feel overwhelmed or bullied in a mediation session, it is far better to ask for a break and clear your head than to get into a heated argument or shut down.
9. Keep Emotions In Check
Do your best to not let your spouse push your buttons, and be careful not to push theirs. Emotional arguments only derail the mediation process.
10. Have An Open Mind
Many times the best possible outcome for both parties is not the one either of them was hoping for. Being open to suggestions creates the opportunity for better outcomes for everyone involved.
Collaborative Practice Provides Divorce Mediation In Kansas City
Collaborative Practice Kansas City, LLC is a Kansas City area community of independent legal, mental health, and financial professionals working in concert to create client-centered processes for resolving divorce conflict. For more information about divorce mediation in Kansas City, contact a Collaborative Practice team member at 913-380-2560 or click here.
