By: XSTILLA.COM
If you’re going through a divorce, then you likely need some divorce support. Although you could handle your divorce yourself, you may find that having a neutral third party, like a mediator, to guide you through the divorce process is not only helpful but extremely comforting as well. In this article, we’ll provide you with proven tips on choosing the best mediator to support your case. So, without futher adieu, let’s get started.
Technically, anyone can call themselves a mediator, but in order to find one that's knowledgeable enough to support your divorce, you'll want to ensure that regardless of their profession, they've been properly trained by the Academy of Family Mediators (AFM). This national organization is comprised of experienced mediators who are trained in dealing with divorce and issues of family law and will be able to provide you with a list of those in your area.
The basic training for divorce mediation is 40 hours, with an additional required 60 hours of even more advanced training, along with four hours of working along side an approved consultant. Divorce mediators must also then continue their education by receiving 20 hours of training every two years. For a mediator to be considered a "practicing member" of the AFM, they must have put in no less than 250 hours mediating at least 25 cases. It's very important that a mediator has these sorts of qualifications in order to properly help you with your divorce. If not, they may not have the experience and the know-how to advise you in the right way with different issues.
Where to find a divorce support mediator:
Now, that you have a basic idea of what you’re looking for, you may be wondering how to find a mediator to support your divorce. Basically you can obtain a referral from:
- Family or friends
- Your local ABA (American Bar Association)
- The newspaper or telephone book under "Mediation" or "Attorneys"
- Your state's mediation association
- The internet
- Local courthouse
- Therapist
- Your clergy
- Your attorney
In addition, here are some additional tips on choosing your divorce support mediator:
First, you and your spouse will have to decide which of you is hiring the mediator, unless you've been ordered by the court to participate in the mediation process. Keep in mind that most mediators will mail information to interested parties or give a brief telephone consultation to cover some basic information, while others will offer a free consultation for you to ask questions and decide if you're comfortable with them.
If your case involves highly emotional issues, you may want to consider hiring a counselor or therapist who is trained in mediation and matters of family law. However, an attorney will also be able to draft the required legal agreement needed for divorce in addition to mediating and helping resolve issues without litigating in court.
Second, you’ll want to ask potential divorce support mediators these questions:
- What is the reason you decided to become a divorce support mediator?
- How familiar are you with family law?
- What is your legal background?
- How many cases have you mediated, and how many ended up going to trial?
- How will you conduct the mediation sessions, separately or with both spouses together, and why?
- What type of approach do you employ when it comes to stalemates?
- Do you charge hourly or per session, and how do you expect to be paid?
- Will you be able to help us come to an agreement about how to best pay for your services if necessary?
In conclusion, divorces can be extremely complicated processes. By having a qualified professional, like a divorce mediator, offering you and your spouse divorce support, you’ll find that the process is much easier. Simply follow the above mentioned tips and you’ll find the perfect divorce support mediator for your specific needs.
Good luck!
