Issues That Can Lead to Conflict During Divorce Mediation

 Posted on December 23, 2021 in Divorce

If you are like most people, divorce is probably something that you never expected to live through. When you got married, you planned for it to be “till death do us part.” Unfortunately, many marriages do not work out this way, and if you have encountered relationship issues that cannot be resolved, it may be the best choice for everyone involved to end your marriage so that you and your spouse can both move on to a better life. Even if you were unable to make your marriage work, you may be able to complete your divorce more quickly and easily by using mediation. However, you will want to be prepared to address the issues that may arise during this process. By understanding some common sources of conflict, you can be prepared to approach these matters the right way and reach agreements that will benefit both you and your spouse.

Addressing Disputed Issues During Mediation

Your goal during mediation will be to create a divorce settlement that can be entered in court. You and your spouse will both need to fully agree on the terms of your settlement. As you work to reach agreements, some areas that may lead to disputes may include:

• Your family home - It makes sense for both you and your spouse to have a sentimental attachment to your house, especially if you have lived there for many years and formed relationships with neighbors and others in the community. Because of this, both of you may wish to continue living in your house, especially if you want your children to stay in the home where they have been raised. Ideally, you and your spouse will want to work together to determine whether it will be feasible for either of you to own the home on your own. You may be able to reach an agreement that will allow one spouse to continue living in the home temporarily or on a more permanent basis. Matters related to child custody may play a role in your decisions, especially if you want your children to continue living in the same home and attending the same schools. However, the best solution in many cases is to sell the home. By dividing any profits earned from the sale, you can each make sure you will have the financial resources to find new living arrangements.
• Spousal support - When one spouse earns a lower income or is a stay-at-home parent, they may ask for financial support from the other spouse. This can be a contentious issue, since most people will not like the idea of making payments to their former spouse. However, it is important to remember that this form of support is not meant to be a punishment, and a person cannot be required to pay support because they were at fault for their divorce. Courts will usually only order spousal support if one spouse needs financial assistance to meet their needs and the other spouse has the capability to provide support while also covering their own ongoing expenses. If one spouse is in a position where they will struggle to cover the costs of living, you may be able to reach an agreement on an amount of spousal support that will be appropriate. You may also agree on how long these payments will last, ensuring that the spouse being supported will have the means to begin working again in the future.

Contact a Plano Divorce Mediator

As you work to resolve the outstanding issues in your divorce, a skilled mediator can help you address your concerns and reach agreements that you and your spouse will both be satisfied with. At Divorce Mediation Centers of America, we understand the issues that can lead to conflict during mediation, and we are prepared to help resolve disputes as peaceably as possible. To learn how we can help you complete your divorce as quickly and efficiently as possible, contact our Collin County divorce mediation professionals today at 469-406-4320 and arrange a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.7.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.8.htm