Though mediation has become a key component in resolving divorce and family law disputes in Pennsylvania, there are still many myths that revolve around the process. Here are some of those myths dispelled.
Myth: Our Failure to Communicate during Our Marriage Will Make Mediation Impossible
It seems logical—if you were unable to effectively work things out when you were living together, why should you expect to use that process to settle any disputes tied to your divorce? The reality is that divorce mediators are trained to identify and respond to your differences and have a number of strategies that can be employed to circumvent any potential gridlock. That’s a key difference from your marriage—it’s unlikely that you had a third person willing to step in and act as an intermediary, so that you could identify and implement a mutually beneficial solution.
Myth: We’ll Never Be Able to Agree on Everything, So It Won’t Work
The whole purpose of mediation is to resolve those things upon which you must agree. If there are still things that you don’t see eye-to-eye on, but don’t affect your ability to move forward, you’ll be fine. As long as you resolve the things you must resolve, the process will work.
Myth: In Mediation, One Spouse Typically Dominates the Other
Your mediator will usually know how to assess the balance of power in your relationship and will work proactively to ensure that one spouse does not take advantage of the other. In a worst-case scenario, the mediator can simply terminate the mediation to prevent coercion or undue influence.
Myth: Mediation Usually Favors the Man
There’s no evidence to support this concern. Either party has the right to end the mediation at any time or to refuse to sign any proposed mediation agreement. That’s often a better position to be in than having a court order the outcome.
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