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Debunking common myths about mediation

On Behalf of | Dec 7, 2021 | Divorce

As you go through a divorce, you may find that there are conflicts that you’re struggling to resolve. In that case, one option may be to use mediation to work through those disputes and come up with a reasonable solution.

Some people avoid mediation because of the myths that surround it. They may think that mediation only works in simple cases or that any results are legally binding, but neither of those things are true. Here are a few myths that commonly prevent people from going into mediation when it may be a good option.

  • Mediation only works if you’re friendly with one another

Mediation’s purpose is to work through disputes, so it stands to reason that both parties won’t necessarily be friendly with one another. If you and your spouse are able to negotiate and be friendly as you work out your issues, then you may not need mediation. On the other hand, if you’re willing to negotiate but keep running into snags or breakdowns in communication, mediation could help you get past that.

  • Mediation is legally binding

While there are kinds of dispute resolution options that are legally binding, mediation is not one of them. Mediation allows you to negotiate and come up with arrangements that work for you and your spouse. You can draw up contracts and agreements, but until the court signs off on them, they’re not binding.

  • Your case is too complex for mediation

Mediation isn’t just for simple cases. Even if you have a high-asset divorce in process, mediation can help. With mediation, you can discuss sizeable assets and how you want to divide them rather than going to court where you lose your privacy and control over your case. Mediation is a good way to negotiate out of the public eye.

These are just three common myths about mediation that are not typically true. If you have a dispute that you need to resolve and want to move forward with coming up with a divorce settlement, mediation could help you do so without requiring you to go to court to litigate your case.