You don’t enter a marriage expecting to divorce by the five, ten, or twenty-year mark. At least, most people don’t and you shouldn’t. But the numbers don’t lie, people fall in and out of love all the time, and the stress of life can sometimes mean people prefer to strike out on their own. But that decision carries significant consequences for your emotional health. The American Psychology Association (APA) released a guide to assist people considering divorce on the merits of mediation. This post will go over what the APA had to say.
There are many legal and financial benefits to mediation, but lawyers are loath to recommend it because it can result in higher costs in the long-run if you are unable to settle your divorce. Therefore, it is a targeted tool that works for a few couples but not most. Psychologists approach it from a clinical perspective, measuring what is best for your emotional health.
The end of a marriage, even one that is on the rocks, unleashes a torrent of emotions; anger, grief, fear, it is completely understandable and expected. These emotions sometimes make it extraordinarily difficult to finalize your divorce amicably. But it is importance to remember that your divorce does not have to be a battle. You can choose to mediate your disputes. Many studies show that trying to work these problems out alone can be frustrating and lead to reduced emotional health whereas collaborating with your ex-spouse can help both of you deal with the emotional difficulty and move past it together.
Divorce mediation is a viable option, especially if you can work together. This article illustrates that the best divorces are ones in which you collaborate and work together to end on a healthy note. But lawyers understand that isn’t always possible. If you are considering divorce, you may want to speak with an attorney. You don’t need to make this decision alone; a lawyer can help.
