Does Mediation Work for Alimony and Property Division in Missouri?

Mediation empowers couples to maintain control of their outcomes rather than having a judge make decisions for them.

Going through a divorce is challenging enough without the added stress of contentious courtroom battles over alimony and property division. For many St. Louis couples, mediation offers a more amicable and cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation.

If you’re considering divorce mediation for alimony and property division in Missouri, The Betz Law Firm can help you determine if it’s the right approach for your situation.

Call (314) 801-8488

Contact Us Online

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process where you and your spouse work with a neutral third-party mediator to reach mutually acceptable agreements. Unlike a judge, a mediator doesn’t make decisions for you but instead facilitates productive conversations and helps you explore potential solutions.
In Missouri, mediation can be:

Voluntary: You and your spouse choose to participate
Court-ordered: A judge requires you to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial
Confidential: Discussions during mediation generally cannot be used in court later

How Mediation Addresses Alimony

Alimony (maintenance) in Missouri isn’t calculated using a simple formula. Courts consider numerous factors, including:

Length of the marriage
Each spouse’s financial resources and earning capacity
Standard of living established during the marriage
Each spouse’s educational level and employment history
Age and physical/emotional condition of each spouse

This complexity makes mediation particularly valuable for alimony discussions. Through mediation, you can:

Explore creative solutions beyond what a court might typically order
Discuss tax implications of different alimony arrangements
Create customized payment schedules that work for both parties
Establish conditions for modifying or terminating payments
Consider lump-sum versus periodic payments based on your unique financial situation

Mediating Property Division

Missouri follows “equitable distribution” principles, meaning marital property should be divided fairly (though not necessarily equally). Determining what’s “fair” involves considering:

Each spouse’s economic circumstances
Each spouse’s contribution to acquiring marital property
Value of non-marital property assigned to each spouse
Conduct of the parties during the marriage
Custodial arrangements for minor children

Mediation excels at addressing property division because it allows you to:

Prioritize what matters most to each of you
Maintain control over who gets specific assets with sentimental value
Work through complex valuations of business interests or retirement accounts
Develop comprehensive plans for dividing debts as well as assets
Consider tax consequences of different distribution scenarios

Success Rates of Mediation for Financial Matters

While success rates vary depending on individual circumstances, research consistently shows that:

Approximately 70-80% of mediated divorces result in settlement agreements
Financial agreements reached through mediation tend to have higher compliance rates than court-ordered arrangements
Couples who mediate financial issues often report greater satisfaction with the outcome

When Mediation Works Best for Alimony and Property Division

Mediation tends to be most effective when:

Both spouses are willing to negotiate in good faith
There’s general financial transparency between parties
Both spouses have at least a basic understanding of their assets and debts
Each spouse has access to legal advice during the process
There’s no significant power imbalance between spouses

Take the Next Step Toward Resolution

If you’re considering divorce mediation for alimony and property division in Missouri, The Betz Law Firm can help you determine if it’s the right approach for your situation. We provide mediation services and representation during mediation to protect your interests.

Speak With an Experienced Attorney

Our firm uses experience, good communication, and availability to help families navigate life-changing events.

Call (314) 801-8488

Contact Us Online

The Betz Law Firm

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Tags: alimonymediationproperty division

2 months ago

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