When going through divorce, there are many options available for how to tackle the process. Mediation is one option that is currently enjoying growing popularity.
But what do mediators do in divorce? What is the exact role that they play?
The skills of a mediator
Survive Divorce discusses the role of a mediator in divorce mediation. Mediators play a unique role in that they do not actively make any decisions on behalf of the couple. Instead, they provide additional tools that allow the couple to work through arguments and issues together.
Mediators provide unique third-party perspectives and opinions, offering angles that the couple usually does not think of on their own.
They also have de-escalation training. In short, this means they know how to react to the building potential of arguments or fights, and know how to stop them in their tracks.
A director of discussions
In a sense, they act as a director of discussions, too. They ensure that everyone is able to speak what is on their mind and that no one person hogs the entire conversational space. This way, all participants can feel like they had a fair shot to explain things from their perspective without being talked over.
As mentioned, mediators do not make the decisions for the couple. They do not have the legal authority to do so, so they could not make choices for the couple even if that is what the couple wanted.
Instead, they simply work together with the couple to guide them toward a resolution that both parties find acceptable.
