- March 10, 2025
- CLLB Law
- Divorce Family Law
Find Out What It Means to Finalize a Divorce Outside the Four Walls of a Courtroom
Featured Snippet: Divorce mediation is a more peaceful and less formal way to finalize your divorce. It allows you and your spouse to discuss, negotiate, and conclude the details of your family, marriage, and assets without the input of a judge.
A divorce mediation is an alternative dispute resolution technique that ensures both parties get equal representation. It gives them the opportunity to walk out the door feeling mutually satisfied. This process doesn’t require a judge’s input to determine who gets what. Instead, the parties decide what’s best for them after a series of amiable conversations and agreements.
It may not be easy for you and your spouse to conclude your asset distribution without the help of a third party. To avoid feeling cheated, you may need the help of a neutral mediator.
In summary, divorce mediation in Indiana is a credible way to settle things between you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse, so it’s a great idea to know as much as you can about this alternative to litigation. This article explains what it means, its upsides, and the process it requires.
What is Divorce Mediation in Indiana?
Divorce Mediation in Indiana May Be Better for Your Unique Circumstances
In Indiana, you can divorce your spouse legally without entering a courtroom. After filing a petition for dissolution of marriage, you can resolve every dispute that arises from your separation through divorce mediation.
This method requires the services of a neutral third party called the mediator.
The mediator is a professional who has been trained for this role. They listen to both sides, find neutral ground, and help the couple go their separate ways with the least amount of friction possible.
A divorce mediator can be an attorney or an individual trained specifically for the role. The most common characteristic that’s also non-negotiable is neutrality, as the divorce mediator cannot be on any party’s side.
Why Should You Consider Divorce Mediation When Filing for a Divorce?
Divorce Mediation Is Less Expensive, More Informal, and a Quicker Way to Reach an Amicable Agreement
The periods before, during, and after a divorce can be turbulent. However, going through an alternative dispute resolution route can make the process less traumatizing.
These are the other upsides of employing a divorce mediator:
- The divorce mediator can act as a family therapist.
- You can negotiate amicably.
- You and your spouse will both feel heard and equally respected.
- A divorce mediation happens on your own time (you don’t need a court-appointed time and venue).
- It’s less formal and a lot less restrictive (cordiality and comportment are expected, but you don’t have to deal with the due processes or the courtroom).
Divorce proceedings can get heated, especially when it comes to asset sharing. You could be held in contempt of court if you let your emotions get the best of you. Yet, if this happens during divorce mediation, you can avoid legal fines and possibly jail time for expressing yourself.
How Does a Divorce Mediation Work?
What Does It Mean to Finalize Your Divorce with a Mediator?
Typically, there are five participants in this informal divorce proceeding. The parties, their attorneys, and the mediator are all involved. Some mediations are done with everyone in the same room, but the vast majority of mediations are done with the parties and their attorneys separated. Your attorney will provide legal and emotional support.
Expect a series of negotiations, communication, exchange of documents and information, assertion of rights, and compromises. It’s a sit-in where you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse state your claims and demands, agree and disagree, and finally resolve your issues.
The mediator listens attentively, acknowledges legal claims, and equitably helps you and your spouse part ways. Meanwhile, the mediator will document the agreements throughout the process. When it finally ends, you and your ex-spouse will sign the agreements.
What Issues Often Come Up During a Divorce Mediation?
What Would Your Divorce Mediator Resolve?
These are some of the issues you can thrash out while finalizing your divorce:
- The distribution of marital assets, debts, and liabilities
- Child custody and support
- Pet custody
- Alimony and spousal support
- Other personal or unique issues that could arise during negotiations.
Hire Our Dedicated Attorneys for Your Divorce Mediation Process
If You’re Using the Divorce Mediation Technique, You Need to Come Prepared
It’s not mandatory to show up with a lawyer, but it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself. Remember, you’ll most likely be emotional during this period. So, it’ll help to have one of our skilled attorneys fighting for rights you may overlook or not even be aware of.
If you’re also looking for a neutral party to oversee your divorce as a mediator, you can contact our law office. Our lawyers at Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet law firm have more than adequate experience with divorce proceedings. We’re equipped with the necessary insights to take a proactive approach on a case, in the courtroom or out.
Contact us now at (812) 725-8226 to discuss your particular case with our knowledgeable attorneys.
Attorney Dana Eberle
Dana is a native of Southern Indiana and is deeply devoted to Kentuckiana. After spending most of her life in Floyds Knobs, she has also lived in Greenville, New Albany, and Georgetown. Allowing Dana to become familiar with every town of Floyd County. She oversees the Family Law practice area for CLLB, and she firmly believes that helping families is her destiny. [ Attorney Bio ]