When you and your spouse decide to divorce, whether it’s a mutual agreement or not, it’s important to understand your options for resolving these matters. Though it may seem like going to court to litigate these matters is your only option, you’d be surprised to learn that more and more couples are choosing to opt for mediation. The following blog explores how property division during the mediation process works so you can be best prepared for your session. In addition, you will learn why connecting with Tampa divorce lawyers is in your best interest.
What Is Mediation?
When you and your spouse get a divorce, you may decide or a judge may order you to attend mediation. This is a dispute resolution process in which you can avoid litigating your divorce by meeting with a natural third-party entity, known as the mediator. The mediator will work with you and your spouse to determine the outcome of issues you cannot agree on, like property division and alimony.
It’s imperative to understand that the mediator is not there to choose sides or offer legal advice to either party. Their role in mediation is to help move the conversation along to ensure each party feels heard and represented while working to compromise on matters. In addition, you’ll find that they cannot offer legal advice to either party.
How Does Mediation Handle Property Division?
When you and your spouse decide to mediate your divorce, it’s important to understand how certain aspects of this process work. One thing you must keep in mind is that this process allows you to work out the terms of your divorce on your own. As such, how you divide property will depend on your unique circumstances.
Typically, before you begin mediation, you and your spouse must disclose all marital assets. This helps ensure that there is full transparency in this process. As such, it helps ensure that one spouse doesn’t receive a more favorable outcome because they hid assets.
Generally, you and your spouse can agree on several different methods to divide your marital assets. For example, you both may want the family home. You may agree that whichever party is awarded primary custody of the children will receive the family home in exchange for assets of equal value to their share. Alternatively, if you truly cannot reach a decision on this matter, you may decide that selling the home and splitting the money is the only option.
As you can see, mediation gives you greater control over the outcome of these matters than letting a judge who only understands the surface of your issue determine how these assets are handled.
If you are ready to embark on your mediation journey, it’s in your best interest to connect with the team at Tampa Law Group as soon as possible. Our firm understands how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are here to fight for you. We can help review your mediation agreement to ensure it reflects your best interest. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you with your divorce.
