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Approximately 50% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Unfortunate statistics, for sure, but an unavoidable reality for some couples. If you’ve come to the decision to proceed with a divorce, navigating the legal field can be extremely stressful. There’s plenty to think about while carrying on with your normal life, and the pressure can be enormous to deal with.

Divorce lawyers will help you navigate the process, but what should you expect when it comes to mediation? Family law can have many ins and outs, so making an informed decision that’s best for you and your family can be a tough one if you don’t know what to expect. Let’s review four crucial aspects of divorce mediation that you should expect before you begin the process.

Start At the Beginning

When you approach divorce lawyers about mediation, they’re ask you to walk them through why you’re getting a divorce. They’ll want to know what your expectations are for the outcome of mediation, but they’ll ask you to remain open-minded. It’s not always possible to come to a civil conclusion where both parties get exactly what they want, so the possibility of remaining open-minded, willing to compromise, and being flexible are thoughts to keep in mind.

Child Custody is a Little Different

You’ve hired divorce lawyers, not child custody lawyers. If you and your ex can’t come to a civil agreement about the custody of your children, your mediation may take a different path. Child custody attorneys seek out the best arrangement for your child or children; be honest with your ex, and be willing to be flexible when it comes to arranging a visitation schedule for your children. If you want to avoid spending time in court, coming to an agreement is the only way you can do that. Plus, disagreeing vehemently on a visitation schedule can put your children through a lot; dealing with a divorce isn’t easy for your kids, either. Keep that in mind throughout mediation.

Mediation is Typically a Neater Solution

Consider why you are going the mediation route: there are dozens of benefits to mediating a divorce, including avoiding a battle in court, controlling the process, it’s confidential, you can still get legal advice. Mediation is usually an easier route to take if you’re willing to be flexible, and you’ll have a greater say in what happens when and who gets what. Of course, your divorce lawyers will also be available for legal aid, but the process is mostly controlled by you and your ex.

Mediation is Generally Easier on Your Family

Say you and your ex just weren’t right for each other. There’s no anger between the two of you; you just got married when you shouldn’t have. Not every divorce is a tragic, angry affair. A mediation can help you negotiate a quicker solution while potentially saving you money on court fees, and headaches from attending several court dates. And it may simply be the best solution for your family.

Divorce isn’t pretty, but with the right knowledge to guide you, the process doesn’t have to be long, painful, or drawn out. A great divorce lawyer and the willingness to be flexible can go a long way when it comes to mediating your divorce, so if this is the right option for you and your family, don’t hesitate to take it.