There was a divorce rate of 2.2 per thousand in Pennsylvania in 2022, and it continues to drop. This is good news, although there are still times when a divorce is what both parties prefer. Below, we discuss the components of integrative divorce mediation.
What Is Integrative Divorce Mediation?
There are several ways for couples to end a marriage other than going through an adversarial courtroom battle. A newer type of divorce is what’s known as integrative mediation proceedings. This involves both of the spouses and a series of experts, which may include a mediator, attorneys, mental health experts, psychologists, and financial experts.
How Does Integrative Mediation Work?
While it’s not unusual for estranged couples or their respective divorce lawyers to call in experts, these professionals usually don’t work together. With an integrative divorce, the experts work together to help reach an acceptable agreement between both parties. These experts are neutral in that they want what’s best for both parties, not one party or the other.
What Are the Benefits of Integrative Mediation?
It’s a less contentious process since the experts are neutral and not favoring one party or the other. Also, the process is generally smoother and more civil. A wide range of topics can be covered during the mediation process when discussing the end of a marriage, including division of assets, spousal support, and who gets the marital home. The process is often completed with an agreement that spells out everything that was agreed upon by both couples in writing.
With a traditional divorce, the professionals work independently of one another and have one party’s interests in mind only. This often results in important matters being overlooked. Or worse yet, the experts for each party may fail to agree on much of anything. This can draw out the divorce process.
With court proceedings, there tends to be an adversarial approach to divorce. In other words, there are more likely to be disagreements. In this instance, the judge may make decisions that don’t fully benefit either party.
With an integrative mediation process, both parties get to pick the professionals involved. These experts are mutually agreed upon, and they can be changed throughout the process if so desired.
Who Should Try Integrative Mediation?
This type of mediation doesn’t work for all couples. If a couple is unable to agree on anything, for example, a divorce lawyer may get involved, or a judge may make final decisions about such things as alimony and division of assets. Generally, there has to be a willingness to work together by both parties. If one party is absolutely insistent on getting their way, for instance, integrative mediation would not be effective.
How Do You Create an Integrative Mediation Team?
An online search is a good way to start. If this doesn’t work out for you, consider working with an attorney to find experts. Keep in mind, the experts an attorney finds for one party must be acceptable to the other party and their attorney. All professionals involved must agree to work together as you end a marriage. It’s usually best to research the professionals you wish to work with ahead of time to determine if they (a) participate in integrative mediation and (b) can remain neutral.
Can Integrative Mediation Work When Children Are Involved?
Absolutely. This type of divorce is often recommended for situations of this nature. Because integrative mediation is based on mutual agreement, there’s less likely to be fighting over issues related to child custody such as parenting time and visitation. This is ultimately better for the children and parents. Any differences are usually worked out peacefully. In this instance, the experts work together to offer compromises if there is disagreement over parenting time.
What Are the Costs Associated With Integrative Mediation?
Costs vary. However, the final costs are often lower than what’s associated with court-based divorces or mediation where both parties hire their own set of experts. In this case, expenses for the experts involved can be shared if there is mutual agreement to do so.
How Long Does Integrative Mediation Take?
It depends on the issues involved. Normally, this type of mediation is completed faster than what’s typical with court proceedings or traditional mediation.
Who Can Benefit From Integrative Mediation?
Couples of all ages can benefit from integrative mediation. It also works for couples with or without children. Additionally, you don’t need to have significant assets to benefit from integrative mediation. Couples with only minimal assets, for example, can still get advice from experts on basic divorce issues such as who gets the house and how what’s in the bank is divided.
Contact the Law Office of Joanne Kleiner today to speak with a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer about the integrative mediation process or other issues related to divorce.