If you’re planning on using a mediator for your divorce in Singapore, you may be curious as to what a typical mediation session is like.
A divorce mediator is and/or should be someone who has been trained to act as a neutral third party. The mediator is supposed to be objective and not “take sides” during the session. His or her job is to make sure that both spouses have a chance to speak, even if one person is naturally less assertive than the other.
There are two basic rules at a divorce mediation session, although additional ground rules can be proposed if necessary. First, only one person is allowed to speak at a time. Mediation is about respectfully reaching a solution to the legal ending of your marriage. Interrupting is both rude and disrespectful.
Second, there is no name calling. Mediation is not the place to call your ex a lying, cheating scumbag or to say that you wish he or she would just crawl in a hole and die. Even if you’re angry and upset, you need to find a way to keep your temper in check.
If you think that you and your spouse can follow the above rules then you might be a decent candidate for mediation. The length of time needed for mediation to be complete will vary according to the issues that need to be settled and how greatly the parties disagree.
However, it’s typical for each mediation session to last two to three hours, and a couple to require two or three sessions to complete the process. If it appears that the couple is going to be unable to reach an agreement after about twelve hours of mediation services, the mediator might recommend heading to Court to finalize the settlement.
Even if your case does not need to go back to Court to fight over things you can benefit from consulting outside the mediation with a good, competent, and affordable divorce lawyer Singapore or corporate law services Singapore. A couple of hours spent with your own legal counsel to review a proposed agreement, before you sign it, can help you avoid making a big mistake.
Once the deal is in writing it may be difficult to undo, but if it is a good and fair deal, then you should know that (and probably sign it).