Want to separate on an amicable basis?

Have you and your partner recognized that the relationship has run its course? Many may feel like they need to work it out for the sake of the children. “If only we can hang on until they are older”. The unfortunate truth is that in many of these situations the children can sense the discord and that can cause more harm than going through a separation. The key is to separate so that the children are the focus and can grow in the environment of two loving homes. Some families can do this themselves but for most it is an emotional time and there are many aspects to consider. Family and Financial mediation may be able to address all aspects so that the transition will reduce the emotional impact of the partners and their children. 

What is Family and Financial Mediation?

Family and Financial Mediation is a voluntary process where families hire a neutral 3rd party (ies) to help manage their in-person negotiation related to their disagreements. You may want to interview a few mediators to confirm what type of qualifications they have. If children are involved, what type of qualifications does the mediator have in relation to understanding family dynamics? If you have savings, a house and debts or questions about child and spousal support is the mediator regulated to discuss finances? Typically, most mediators do not have all these backgrounds which is why collaborative or joint mediation may be the answer. There are organizations that have a mental health professional with a background in social work trained as a mediator who work with mediators who are also chartered financial divorce specialists. This may sound expensive, however, comparing it to each party having a lawyer represent them the joint mediation would save you thousands of dollars. Joint mediation may yield overall better results than court action because it provides a clearer, more comprehensive picture of each family's different situation.

Parenting (the new term for custody)

There have been many changes to the Family Laws. What parents used to argue over, custody, has now been replaced with Parenting. Yes, as a parent you are responsible to parent your children. Many families have found that having a qualified mediator who is also a parent coordinator to be beneficial. A parent coordinator understands Family Law as they are hired by the Courts when disputes arise later. The coordinator reads the current agreement and enforces what is said. To have a qualified mediator who is a parent coordinator may result in an agreement that is clear and concise. 

Finances

Finances are difficult to manage when you are happily married. Now that you are looking to separate it will be even more confusing. By using a mediator who is also a chartered financial divorce specialist you will have a clear understanding of what options are available to you regarding child support, spousal support, and your property division. They will be able to provide realistic projections for all available scenarios and for the choices that will need to be made during this life transition.   

Mediation may save time and money and offers the ability for partners to maintain good communication strategies as they transition to raising their children in two homes. If you have come to the realization that the current family situation needs to change, reach out to ossko – Family and Financial Mediation. Book your free 30 min consultation to learn more.