Divorce Mediation

The dissolution of marriage or divorce is the act of terminating a marriage and the cancellation of all legal responsibilities and duties that are present in a marriage, in effect breaking the bonds of matrimony made between two people. Compared with annulment, divorce does not declare the marriage as null and void; however, it does cancel the marital status of the couple in question. As a result, either partner has the freedom to remarry.

During the divorce process, some couples deem it necessary to go through a judge or some legal authority. In some countries, this is actually a must before divorce is granted. However, there are also some countries where divorce can be arranged as per agreement between both parties. In this instance, the process goes through divorce mediation.

In divorce mediation, a mediator must be present to be able to facilitate the discussion between both parties. The mediator facilitating the divorce mediation may be able to open lines of communication, provide information, as well as throw in some suggestions which can help resolve the problems the couples face. By the end of the divorce mediation, the mediator will have enabled both parties to arrive and an amiable divorce agreement which is then submitted to court. During these divorce mediation sessions, both parties can bring their own representations, or one neutral attorney can inform both parties of their rights. However, if the couple prefers to go without their attorneys, this can be arranged by the mediator as well.

Unlike the usual divorce proceedings, divorce mediation is actually a cleaner and more peaceful way of settling differences. This also prevents occurrences of major depression or further problems which couples may face as a result. However, if the couples prefer the traditional divorce litigation, then chances are that the judge may suggest psychotherapy, family counseling, or relationship therapy before declaring the divorce final. While this may be a lot tiring for partners, sometimes this can also be a good thing as the judge may find it necessary that the couple find other ways to resolve their differences without having to go through divorce. If this is the case, then divorce may not be the solution to healing a figurative "open wound" between the couple.