Mediation offers couples a way to work through the legalities of divorce by reaching mutually agreeable solutions that benefit the whole family. Less contentious than a traditional divorce, mediation relies not on attorneys sparring and negotiating, but on the counsel of a third-party mediator who works with the couple to resolve the legal and financial matters concerning the dissolution. To help you find the right person to handle your divorce, below are three essential qualities to look for in a mediation professional.

What Makes a Good Divorce Mediator?

1. Trustworthiness

Mediation is a process in which you and your spouse have a significant amount of control. This is one of the reasons couples find it preferable to a traditional divorce. The mediator you choose should not be beholden to either one of you, and they aren't necessarily hired to be a referee. They should be considered a partner to both spouses throughout the mediation. Both you and your soon-to-be-ex should feel comfortable asking them questions, seeking their advice, and generally trusting them with the intimate details of the split. In other words: Find someone you trust.

2. A Comprehensive Understanding of Legal Issues

A mediator must guide both spouses through some challenging legal terrain. Issues like child custody, child support, alimony, and division of marital property are tricky matters and they must be handled with the utmost skill and professional care. Look for a mediator who can make these complex subjects easy to understand and who you feel can confidently resolve your concerns to the satisfaction of everyone involved.

3. Resourcefulness 

Divorces can quickly become complicated and messy, and it is for this reason that the mediator should be an expert troubleshooter. Find someone who isn't afraid to think outside the box and who can offer more than one solution to the problems that are dividing you and your spouse. 

Since 2000, the lawyers and mediation professionals at Williams, Hall & Latherow, LLP, have been serving clients throughout the Ashland, KY, area. They also offer representation in business law and personal injury and insurance-related cases. Call (606) 329-1919 or visit their website to arrange a consultation today.