Many of us are skilled negotiators at work, capable of seeking additional money during salary talks or ending up with bargain-basement prices on office supply contracts. With so many Maryland residents already having these diplomatic political skills, why would they find property division after divorce to be difficult?
Even though most of us negotiate our way through everyday life, we may struggle during property division talks. Maybe it is the highly emotional nature of the discussion or the extra tension that causes us to stumble over normally simple decisions. If you are using collaborative divorce methods such as arbitration and mediation, you may already be ahead of the curve. These collaborative processes use teamwork and negotiation to navigate what might otherwise be an extraordinarily stressful experience.
During your mediation, experts say you can take certain steps to make sure the final agreement works for both parties. First, set a cooperative stage with a positive attitude. You can also make the process more pleasant by remaining civil, even if your ex-spouse decides to be nasty. Remember the goal of mediation is to avoid further complicated legal proceedings; even though it is not always easy, mediation is generally less expensive and traumatic than a traditional courtroom divorce.
Keep the focus of the proceedings on your financial matters instead of dredging up old marital problems. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes can be a beneficial exercise, as well. Keeping the lines of communication open during the negotiation is critical, and making concessions to your ex-partner should not be seen as a sign of weakness.
If you are considering a collaborative divorce instead of a traditional courtroom proceeding, consider seeking the assistance of a qualified and specialized attorney. These professionals can help you learn more about your divorce options, including arbitration and mediation. Do not allow your divorce stress to take over your life; instead, consult a skilled team of professionals.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com, “Your demeanor can affect your divorce mediation” Diane L. Danois, Jul. 23, 2013
