How can mediation help your relationship with your family?

Settling a divorce can feel overwhelming and complicated. You may fear arguing with your ex in front of a judge or creating a bigger rift in your family. Fortunately, you have many options for settling. According to U.S. News, one option is mediation to settle a divorce.

Mediation can help you learn how to speak with one another productively and positively.

You set a positive example

During mediation, you and your ex meet with a third party who guides you through difficult discussions until you resolve them. By sitting down to work through your problems with your ex, you become an example to your children. Mediation shows maturity and sets an example for how to handle conflict. Additionally, it shows your ex that you have a willingness to work together for the sake of your children and each other. You both can benefit from mediation.

Everyone speaks their mind

You and your spouse have an equal amount of time to say what you want to say. Sometimes divorcing couples think the worst of the other. For example, one spouse may want to keep a collection because of its sentimental value when the other spouse assumes he or she wants it for money. You both can gain more of an understanding of each other’s needs and work together for a resolution rather than continuing to fight.

In addition to showing your children you can cooperate for their sake, you can also develop a custom plan that works for both parents. Your parenting plan takes you and your spouse and your children’s feelings into consideration.