Divorce & Dissolution of Registered Domestic Partnerships
Mediation minimizes the hostility and misunderstandings that couples experience when ending a marriage or other committed relationship. When there are minor or dependent children, mediation can help build a foundation for a healthy co-parenting relationship.
Mediation also gives divorcing and separating couples a sense of control at a time when they are feeling great anxiety and disorientation. It diffuses their fears by creating a nonthreatening structure for making important decisions about their future separate lives.
The initial mediation sessions for divorce or relationship dissolution provide an opportunity for couples to address short-term issues concerning their present living situation, such as allocating responsibility for utility and food bills, transitioning to separate residences and parenting. Once these pressing matters are addressed, the couple is better able to focus on the tasks that lie ahead so that they can move forward with their lives.
In a series of two-hour mediation sessions, divorcing and separating couples are guided through conversations and assignments about:
- Post-divorce or post-separation living expenses;
- Disposition of the family residence;
- Dividing community assets;
- Allocating responsibility for community debts;
- Determining spousal maintenance; and
- Consideration of tax issues.
If there are minor children from the relationship, the parents will need to:
- Establish the amount of child support; and
- Create a parenting plan.