Divorce is undoubtedly one of the most emotional experiences one can go through in a lifetime. Although emotions can run high during a divorce, they must be put aside when you are faced with making decisions that have a lasting impact. You may have to address many issues in your divorce that can spur harmful emotions. Knowing how to effectively control these emotions can ensure you make effective decisions. Even in the supportive environment of divorce mediation, emotions can hinder productivity. The role of emotions in mediation is significant. It can be hard to strike a balance between expressing your concerns and maintaining a professional attitude toward the process. Nevertheless, mediation presents you with important decisions that you must make despite any strong emotions that may arise.

The structure of mediation puts all the decision making in your and your spouse’s hands. This may seem like a risky situation, especially if you have overwhelming feelings about certain issues. In many ways, mediation facilitates moving past strong emotions. Unlike litigation, where you and your attorney are in opposition with your spouse and his or her attorney, mediation is amicable and non-adversarial. It is a space where you can feel proactive about your divorce, rather than helpless. This alone can go a long way toward helping you feel empowered by your emotions, not overcome by them. Your emotions can also act as a compass in mediation, directing you to address specific issues you have strong feelings on with your spouse.

In your divorce, you may have to decide how to divide your assets and debts, how you will share your parenting time with your child, what happens to the family home, who gets what pets, and whether or not alimony will be ordered. Strong emotions can sometimes cloud your judgment when faced with having to part with something that is valuable to you. Find an experienced Massachusetts divorce mediator who can help you plan and strategize your mediation so you can discuss your most sensitive issues. Avoiding emotional issues in mediation can result in an outcome you are unhappy with. Stay true to your emotions, but make sure you have the support and guidance needed to not let them become a liability.

Do you have questions about divorce mediation? Mediation Advantage Services is here to help. Law Office of Polly Tatum, experienced in Massachusetts family law, can help you plan and prepare for a successful divorce mediation. Based in historic Worcester with a satellite office in Northboro, MA, our firm serves all cities and towns throughout Massachusetts and Worcester County including, Auburn, Paxton, Leicester, Sutton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Westboro, Northboro, Southboro, Holden, Sterling, Princeton, Worcester, Charlton, Millbury, Dudley, Spencer, Brookfield, Sudbury, Natick, Framingham, Hopkinton, Milford, Blackstone, Leominster, Fitchburg, Acton, Jefferson, Barre, Oakham, Cambridge, Newton, Marlboro, Lancaster, Bolton, and Hudson. Call our office at (508) 466-4734, fill out our online form, or email us at info@mediationadvantage.com today to schedule your Complimentary Mediation Success Planning Session. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter or download our free e-book for more information regarding divorce in Massachusetts.