You may understandably be dreading going through a high-asset divorce. After all, figuring out what to do with the house or your other real estate property, or what to do with the family business, can be overwhelming.
However, using a divorce mediator in Colorado may help to make the dissolution of a marriage more palatable. Mediation makes it possible for you and your spouse to dissolve your marriage without necessarily going through litigation.
How does mediation work?
In mediation, you and your spouse will work with a third party who will promote agreement between the two of you. The goal of the mediator is to promote understanding and help you two to communicate effectively as you sort out your differences. The mediator can also provide creative solutions to issues such as the division of a business or other areas of contention during your divorce proceeding.
What are the first steps of mediation?
The first step of mediation is to go over the rules of the process, one of which has to do with maintaining confidentiality. You generally cannot disclose to others any issues you discuss during this alternative to litigation.
Next, your mediator will explain the process, and then, you and your spouse can both make your opening statements. These statements are important for calling attention to the matters you want to address, as well as for clarifying your viewpoints early on.
Then what?
Your goal during mediation is to work toward a settlement that you both feel is fair. If you and your spouse cannot solve your issues during one mediation session, you can continue your efforts during the next session. In addition, if you cannot get along with your spouse in the same room, a mediator can travel back and forth to talk to both of you individually.
What if we cannot reach a settlement?
If you and your spouse are unable to find common ground with the help of a divorce mediator, you have no choice but to go to trial. At trial, a judge will make a final determination as to how to distribute your business or other high-value assets. However, you have the right to seek the most favorable outcome for yourself considering your current financial situation and the circumstances surrounding your divorce.