The Minnesota court system recommends that all couples attempt mediation or another alternative dispute resolution technique before going through the court system. Some couples will be extremely amicable and other couples may have significant conflict and adversarial communication. Mediation can be effective no matter what level of conflict you and your spouse have. A trained and qualified mediator can find common ground with all kinds of couples in all types of situations.
Mediation Versus Divorce Litigation
Emotions can be very high leading up to a divorce and litigation can actually fuel these emotions even further. Litigation is based on a win/lose model – you are literally fighting with your ex to “win” your preferences for child custody schedules, how to divide your joint property and how much to pay spousal maintenance. Very often, litigation actually pushes the two parties further and further away from a solution that actually is workable for a family. Each party can become more entrenched in their perspective and less likely to be able to see the other side.
Mediation, on the other hand, is based on compromise. Rather than pinning you against your ex, your mediator will use their skills and training to help you find the common ground between you – even if the conflict level is high. Once you and your ex realize that you can make these decisions together, that you can save time, money and stress, even an adversarial divorce can be mediated. This way, you can both have a say in the decisions that are made about child support, custody and dividing your property instead of leaving these decisions to a judge who does not know your family.
Experience Mediators In Minnesota
The team at Johnson Mediation has extensive experience helping couples who have high levels of conflict navigate their divorce without having to go through the court system. We can complete mediation sessions in person or virtually and will guide you through the process step by step. You can also always try mediation before going through litigation if you prefer and many of our clients with adversarial relationships find that they never need to take that next step. When you weigh all of the benefits of mediation (lower cost, less time, faster resolution, etc.), mediation is an ideal way to resolve the terms of your divorce. Reach out to our team at Johnson Mediation for assistance by calling us at 952-401-7599. We will be happy to answer your questions and set up a free initial consultation so that you can find out for yourself.
