Mediation in Divorce: Make Divorce Easier on Your Kids

Divorce isn’t only difficult for you and your spouse — litigation can also be hard on your children. While ending a marriage is always difficult, there is a way that you might be able to make the legal process easier for your kids. Mediation in divorce is an alternative dispute resolution method that can be less stressful, less time-consuming, and less contentious to help preserve your co-parenting relationship for the benefit of your children.

There are many benefits of divorce mediation for couples who have children, including the following:

Mediation Can Help You Decide Child Custody Matters

One of the major benefits of divorce mediation is that it allows parents to make decisions about child custody and parenting time without court intervention. Critically, every child has unique needs and parents know what is in their children’s best interests. Mediation gives them the opportunity to work together to decide custody matters and develop a parenting plan, rather than let a judge who does not know them or their family determine the outcome.

Mediation Allows You to Remain in Control

Mediation enables you and your spouse to remain in control of the divorce process to better achieve your specific objectives. This can help you stay amicable and be more satisfied with the terms of your divorce. In addition to child custody matters, mediation can help you resolve other matters that must be decided, such as child support, alimony, and property division. By retaining control, you and your spouse will likely be happier with the outcome — and this will carry over into your post-divorce life and co-parenting relationship.

Mediation Can Help You Save Money

Divorce litigation can be lengthy and costly. Another benefit of divorce mediation is that it allows you to save money that would be otherwise spent on litigation. By saving money in your divorce case, not only can more assets be divided between you and your spouse — but you can use the savings for your children’s benefit. The thousands of dollars you could potentially save by using mediation can help ensure your children are financially secure.

Mediation is Typically Faster Than a Litigated Divorce

Any divorce can have a negative impact on your child’s mental health. No matter how much you try to hide it, children can pick up on the stress their parents feel. However, since mediation is usually faster than a litigated divorce, a child will be able to adjust to the new situation faster. Mediation can help to reduce the stress that can come with a time-consuming divorce and significantly lessen the emotional effects litigation can have on both you and your kids.

Mediation Can Help You Keep Your Co-Parenting Relationship Intact

If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse share children, it’s essential to put your differences aside in order to keep your co-parenting relationship intact. Mediation focuses on healthy communication, promoting cooperation, and reducing hostility. A mediator can help both parties engage in constructive dialogue in a neutral setting, while putting less stress on an already strained relationship. Importantly, mediation can teach you invaluable communication skills and help to set the tone for a positive co-parenting relationship moving forward.

Mediation Can Keep Your Children Out of the Divorce

Mediation can help to protect your child from the emotional harm that often comes with seeing their parents stressed and tense due to divorce litigation. However, it can also help to keep your children out of the divorce entirely. When mediation is used, children do not have to appear in court, testify, or know about any of the details regarding their parents’ divorce. This can help to ensure your children remain balanced and emotionally healthy during the divorce process.

Mediation Helps You Move Forward

One of the biggest hurdles co-parents face in divorce is moving past the blame. If you have children, it’s important to focus on moving forward after a divorce, rather than look back on past hurt and anger or the things that went wrong during your marriage. One of the most significant benefits of divorce mediation is that it helps you look to the future and shifts your perspective away from finger pointing. This is key to having a positive co-parenting relationship with your ex and to keep the focus on your child’s wellbeing.

Contact an Experienced Missouri Divorce Attorney

Ending a marriage is always hard, but by using mediation, you can help reduce the emotional impact divorce can have on your children. A skillful divorce and family law attorney can discuss your options and guide you through the process. Divorce and family law attorney Mark A. Wortman provides reliable representation to clients in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area for divorce matters and a broad scope of family law issues. To schedule a confidential consultation to learn how he can assist you with your case, please contact him today online or by calling (816) 523-6100.