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Choosing A Divorce Mediator That Is Compassionate And Knowledgeable

A mediated divorce can save you time, money and a great deal of emotional distress. Often, when there are children involved, divorce mediation can help you develop a positive parenting relationship and create a healthy environment for your family. However, one of the most important factors that will affect your mediation outcome is choosing the right mediator. Our family law firm, Tournour Law, was founded in 1999, and we offer a wide range of legal services for those in northern New Jersey to help you with your divorce or child custody matters, including assistance with mediation.

Important Factors To Consider In A Mediator

Mediation offers several benefits over a traditional divorce. Choosing mediation to reach a settlement in your divorce is a flexible process that can be adapted to fit the needs of most couples. The role of a mediator is to act as a neutral third party and assist you and your spouse in making mutually beneficial decisions. There are many factors to keep in mind while you choose your divorce mediator. Each personal situation is different and every party has different goals for the lifestyle they want moving forward.

A good mediator will engage you and your spouse in meaningful discussion and strive to make mediation an easy and affordable process for you.

At Tournour Law, we recommend you keep two aspects in mind during your selection process: the style or approach of the mediator and their background.

Mediation: Styles And Approach

There is no one right approach to mediating a divorce. However, it is likely one method will work better for your situation than others. Some mediators have a single preferred style, while others can adapt their approach to the needs of the couple. We find the latter is preferable to better meet the varied goals of each individual.

Facilitative Mediation

The traditional approach to mediation is known as facilitative mediation. During a facilitative mediation, the mediator’s goal is to create an environment in which the parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution by asking questions and facilitating the process. A facilitative mediator does not make recommendations or give their own advice but instead allows you and your spouse to drive the process.

Evaluative Mediation

Evaluative mediation draws on more influence from the legal system. An evaluative mediator focuses on the legal rights of the involved parties and has a more direct influence on the outcome of the mediation. While evaluative mediation tends to take less time than other forms of mediation, the intention of this style is to reach a fair outcome, but it may not take into account your personal needs.

Transformative Mediation

Transformative mediation, the newest form, is designed to empower you and your spouse to make a decision that transforms your relationship. It is similar to facilitative mediation in that the involved parties drive and structure the process, while the mediator follows their lead. The goal of this form of mediation is not necessarily a decision but instead, outlining a process, and it therefore may take longer than other types of mediation.

Mediator Background And Experience

Mediators come from a variety of backgrounds and are not necessarily held to the same education requirements as an attorney. Since the end result of mediation is a legally binding document that establishes the terms of your divorce, it is important to consider the educational background of your mediator before hiring them. There are certain additional aspects you should look for in a mediator, such as:

Mediation infographic

It is also crucial you find a mediator who will approach your case with compassion and understanding. A good mediator will engage you and your spouse in meaningful discussion and make mediation an easy and affordable process for you.

Protecting Your Best Interests

At Tournour Law, we understand that divorce is a highly complex and emotionally difficult time. In many cases, even considering divorcing your spouse can feel overwhelming. We strive to make the mediation process as stress-free as possible and help our clients reach a positive, mutually beneficial agreement. Our team has helped hundreds of families navigate divorce, including negotiating the division of marital assets, reaching settlements with respect to child support obligations and child custody matters, and amicably resolving many other family law issues. Our attorney has the experience necessary to help you with your mediation.

Using Mediation To Reach A Settlement? Call Today.

Find out more about how we can help you reach a settlement in your divorce or choose a mediator, by emailing our office using our online form. You can also call our East Brunswick office at 732-913-3634.