‘Should we talk to a marriage counsellor or a mediator?’
This question is a common one from married couples who are thinking about separation or divorce. At Eugene Naidoo & Associates, we aren’t marriage counsellors, but we are qualified to serve as mediators. As family lawyers in Boronia, we typically come into the equation once a couple has already decided to separate. While we offer mediations, we can’t advise you on whether counselling or mediation is right for you.
Understanding the Differences Between Marriage Counselling and Mediation
In most cases, marriage counselling is where spouses or partners go if they want to try to save their relationship. Mediation is where you go if you want to begin the process of planning for a divorce. These definitions are accurate, but they aren’t absolute. A couple that seeks counselling might still end up getting divorced, while one that works through the mediation process might reconcile.
Sometimes, spouses or de facto partners will even see counsellors and mediators concurrently. You might want to work on your relationship with your spouse, but also start the process of disentangling your lives. This kind of approach can be pragmatic, taming some of the raw emotions that often manifest in divorce proceedings. In other cases, it can create confusion and false hope, only worsening the wounds of a fractured relationship.
Which course of action is best for you and your spouse? Should you sit down with a marriage counsellor? Should you schedule a mediation with a family law solicitor in Boronia? Should you do both? The answer is always going to depend on the couple and the marriage or partnership at hand. In other words, you will have to make this decision on your own.
How Mediation with Family Law Solicitors in Boronia Can Help
If you and your spouse have separated or have plans to separate, seeking family legal advice in Boronia is advisable. Of course, you will probably want a lawyer of your own if you plan to divorce. A lawyer can help with matters of finance, asset division, child custody and more. Many people seek legal representation in these situations to make sure they get their fair share of everything.
Working through mediation with your spouse or partner, though, is also extremely beneficial. The Courts will not grant a divorce until the two parties have been legally separated and living apart from one another for at least 12 months. Just because you cannot finalise a divorce for 12 months,
though, doesn’t mean you can’t lay the groundwork for one.
As mentioned previously, mediation for spouses or de facto partners usually focuses on disentangling their lives, finances, emotions, assets, and responsibilities so that they can move on separately. This process can be an extremely valuable precursor or accompaniment to more formal
divorce negotiations. It may even help avoid litigation by pushing all involved parties towards a more amicable solution.
Are you interested in getting family law advice and mediation help in Boronia? If so, our family solicitors at Eugene Naidoo & Associates can help.
Give us a call on (03) 9762 2094 to arrange a consultation with our family lawyers in Boronia or to schedule a mediation session for you and your spouse.
Contact Us
| Address: | 279 Dorset Road Boronia VIC 3155 1 Denbigh Court, Keilor VIC 3036 (Branch Office) |
| Email: | naidoolegal@iinet.net.au |
| Tel: | (03) 9762 2094 / 9762 5229 |
| Fax: | (03) 9739 8522 |
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