When you're thinking about divorce through mediation, it's likely that you're looking for a solution that makes the transition from marriage to divorce as conflict and cost-managed as possible. The first step toward mediation is to do a search for ‘mediators near me’ on the Internet. Choosing your mediator is important - you want someone with whom you and your spouse feel comfortable. Take a look at these five tips for choosing the right mediator for your divorce or co-parenting plan.

 

• Trust and comfort - Both you and your spouse should feel comfortable with the mediator you choose. The decisions that you make during mediation will be emotionally charged, and it's important that you're working with someone you feel you can trust. Be willing to work with your spouse. While you may feel comfortable with one mediator, they may not. It's essential that you're in agreement with the mediator you choose, and any good mediator will understand the importance of both of you feeling comfortable.

​

• Experience in your situation - Whether you have many assets to divide or custody issues that need to be considered, you'll want to make sure you're working with a mediator who has experience in your particular situation. You'll be paying your mediator for their time and experience, and you want to make sure you're getting someone who knows the ins and outs of your particular situation. When you're choosing a mediator, be sure to ask if they have experience in the area of expertise you need most

​

• Dispute resolution education - During mediation, it's likely that some things will come up that you and your spouse need to talk out. You want to work with a mediator who knows how to help you work through disputes in a civil and respectful way. This does not come naturally to most mediators, which is why there are many courses for mediators to learn how to help couples work through disputes. You'll want to make sure that the mediator you choose is educated in how to help you and your spouse work through issues on which you disagree.

​

• Respect from past clients - Look up reviews of your potential mediator, and see how they fare with past clients. While one or two negative reviews are nothing to worry about, the majority of reviews should be positive. You may also want to look to see how other mediation professionals speak about the mediator you're considering. Choosing someone who is well-respected in the field is a great way to ensure that you're working with a mediation professional who knows what they're doing.

​

• Flat fee - If you want an affordable divorce mediator, you'll want to find a mediator who offers a flat-fee. As you're working to vet potential mediators, ask them how long a typical divorce mediation takes. You'll want to be sure that you're working with someone who fits into your budget. While finding an affordable divorce mediator, make sure to always keep in mind to find someone who has the education and experience you need to get through your mediation in as low stress a way as possible, and that typically comes with a price.

If you're interested in a divorce through mediation and searching for ‘mediators near me’ on the Internet, or for an affordable divorce mediator around Carlsbad, CA, Laura McGee founder of Leave Strong Divorce Services is here to help. schedule a complimentary Discovery Session today to learn more about how we can help you through the divorce process.