If you are ending your marriage, you might expect a dramatic courtroom process. After all, this is how divorce is presented in movies and on TV. However, most people never see the inside of a courtroom because they mediate their divorce.
Unless there are extenuating circumstances that make mediation an inappropriate option for you, the chances are that you will resolve at least some divorce-related matters this way. Following are some tips for how to prepare for this process.
Get organized
You will likely have a lot of paperwork and details to manage during a divorce. There can be legal documents, financial statements and deadlines that you may need to keep track of. One thing people often do is to get a binder and keep all divorce-related materials organized in there. Doing this ensures everything is in one place.
Organizing all your paperwork can make it easier for you to make informed, timely decisions. It can also help you feel more confident and prepared as you head into negotiations.
Assess your expectations
People often walk into mediation with misconceptions about their roles or the process. These assumptions can create delays and conflicts that you might have avoided by taking some time to learn about what mediation is and how it works.
You can get a sense of the process by talking with your attorney, and this article from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs provides a basic overview that can also be helpful.
Ask for help
Our legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you add it to the emotional challenges of divorce. Thankfully, no one has to navigate this alone.
You can work with your attorney to manage the legal aspects of the process. You might meet with a counselor or therapist to address any personal challenges you are facing. You might get help from your boss or co-workers if you need to take time off or adjust your schedule. And your friends and family may be able to help with everything from providing a place to stay to helping take your mind off the divorce.
While you can still face conflicts and stress during a divorce, these tips can help you prepare yourself and make it easier to navigate the process.
