Discussions That Should Remain Confidential During Divorce Mediation in Atlanta

One of the key benefits of divorce mediation in Atlanta is its confidentiality. But why would you need to keep the details of your divorce private? After a multi-decade marriage, you might not remember some of the sensitive incidents that occurred over the years. However, these details could cause serious problems if they come up during a trial – and they will remain on the public record forever. Even if you’re not sure whether you need to keep your divorce confidential, it’s worth discussing potential issues with an Atlanta divorce attorney.

Substance Abuse During Marriage 

Substance abuse can affect divorce outcomes in various ways. Family courts may consider addictions when awarding alimony, overseeing property division, and handling child custody. However, there is no need to handle these issues in court. Spouses can negotiate and discuss substance abuse issues in a civil, understanding way.

With this approach, spouses can achieve fair outcomes and address embarrassing issues related to substance abuse – but without potential reputational damage. Spouses who have substance abuse issues may also be more willing to accept their problems and compromise on solutions in a private setting. In contrast, they could become defensive and combative if they face these accusations in court.

 Domestic Violence Incidents 

After domestic violence incidents, many spouses simply want to move on. Although criminal charges may be possible, this may not be in the best interests of the whole family. It often makes more sense to handle these issues as a family rather than putting everyone through stressful criminal proceedings. That being said, abused spouses are perfectly justified in pursuing criminal charges if they see fit.

By handling these topics in private, spouses can agree on penalties and consequences for past domestic violence. Spouses might agree on more generous property division settlements to prevent negative conduct facts from coming to light. Another possibility is a more limited child custody schedule for a parent with a history of violence.

 Illicit Affairs 

Most spouses want to keep their illicit affairs out of the public eye. However, these activities may go on the public record if spouses pursue a divorce trial. Mediation may represent an appropriate environment to address this misconduct in private, allowing both spouses to achieve closure without reputational damage.

During these discussions, evidence of past affairs might become clear. Faced with this evidence, a guilty spouse might agree to certain concessions in order to keep the information out of the public sphere. These concessions might include higher alimony or a more generous property division settlement.

Can a Divorce Lawyer in Atlanta Help Me Keep Things Private? 

A divorce lawyer in Atlanta may be able to help you maintain privacy as you end your marriage. It’s difficult to predict how embarrassing or sensitive topics might affect you in the future – but mediation is an excellent way to prioritize confidentiality. Speak with Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French to learn more about the benefits of mediation.

Sources:

 pon.harvard.edu/daily/crisis-negotiations/beyond-slingshots-better-tools-for-negotiating-with-goliaths-nb/

fultonsuperiorcourtga.gov/sites/default/files/adr/Mediation_Fact_Sheet_2022_08.pd