Couples in Wisconsin who are going through a divorce and want a less stressful process may choose mediation over court litigation. Part of the process is picking a mediator, and it is important to know that they are not all the same. For the best outcome for both parties, it is worth taking the time to conduct adequate research and ask the right questions.
According to HuffPost, mediators can have different backgrounds, experience and education, so it is imperative to find one who has divorce mediation training and has years of experience. Mediators also have different fee systems. Some charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee. While divorce proceedings is not an area to cut corners, it is possible to find a qualified mediator who charges a reasonable flat fee.
Divorce mediation includes a lot of negotiation and conflict resolution. A mediator should be adept at coming up with multiple solutions and helping the couple work together to solve problems. A mediator should also look out for each partner’s best interest. If there seems to be a bias or an increase in conflict when working with a mediator, it is probably a good idea to find a different one.
A good mediator should also be able to guide a couple if he or she does not think mediation is the best choice for the situation. Money Crashers discusses some examples of when mediation is inappropriate. These include:
- One partner does not want a divorce
- The couple is not able to communicate and/or compromise
- Existence of abuse
- One spouse has an addiction
For couples who are able to talk through differences and take the time to find an effective mediator, the process can be beneficial for everyone.