When you and your spouse make the difficult decision to end your marriage, a lot in your life changes. One or both of you will probably move out, your friends may take sides, and life as you know it will turn upside down. Many decisions have to be made during a divorce and mediation is often a good way to hammer out the details. However, it can be difficult to attend these sessions with your soon-to-be ex. It is important that you understand how to communicate effectively and take advantage of the collaborative atmosphere that divorce mediation offers. Contact a Union County divorce attorney to learn more about your options and obtain representation during your divorce.
How to Communicate Effectively During Divorce Mediation
It can be difficult to communicate maturely and clearly, especially if the end of your relationship was contentious. It may feel more natural to yell and scream at your spouse, making passive-aggressive comments and being uncooperative. However, doing so will only slow down the process of divorce and make it harder to come to an agreement.
Consider the following tips for how you can effectively communicate during mediation sessions.
- Avoid blaming the other person. It is all too easy to play the blame game or pass judgment on your spouse during mediation. Try to avoid blaming the other or making jabs at them as that will only make the situation worse and more tense.
- Actively listen to what your spouse is saying. If you feel like you are not being heard or are too caught up in what you want to say you may not take the time to hear your partner. Focus on what your spouse is saying and seriously consider what they want to figure out how you can come to an agreement.
- Keep your emotions in check. Divorce is a difficult process emotionally and it is easy to become upset or angry. The decisions you are making in mediation should be rooted in logic and equitability. Pay attention to your emotions and try to avoid saying or doing things based on a fleeting feeling.
- Use your mediator. Your mediator is there for a reason. If you find it hard to communicate effectively or verbalize your thoughts and feelings, enlist the help of your mediator. They are trained in dispute resolution and communication techniques.
- Keep an open mind. You may have walked into the mediation session dead set on accomplishing certain things. While it is good to know what you want and deserve out of your divorce, try to keep an open mind and consider what the other party wants. You may be able to come up with a unique solution that works even better than what you originally wanted.
Mediation sessions are important because they allow a couple to come to important decisions on their own and without input from a judge or court. However, communicating openly and effectively can be difficult. Work with an experienced attorney for representation and legal advice during your divorce.
