Considering a Prenup? Try Mediation

Getting married is an exciting time, but it’s also important to have practical conversations about your financial future. Prenuptial agreements can help both parties feel secure, but negotiating the details can be stressful. This is why mediation is increasingly becoming a popular option for creating prenups.

What is mediation and how does it work?

Mediation involves hiring a neutral third party to facilitate discussions and negotiation. The mediator helps communicate each person’s needs and interests while moving the conversation forward in a constructive way. Their role is not to decide the outcome but rather enable understanding.

Compared to negotiating on your own or through lawyers, mediation can have several benefits:

• More comfort sharing sensitive topics. Having a mediator creates a safer space for openness.
• Avoidance of antagonism. Mediators diffuse tension helping you work as a team.
• Win-win solutions. The focus becomes understanding rather than attacking opposing positions.
• Saves money and time. Because mediation can resolve issues faster, it reduces legal fees.

While most mediated agreements still undergo legal review before signing, the drafting process typically flows more smoothly since the hardest conversations have already happened.

When it comes to lifelong commitment through marriage, starting off your legal union in a collaborative spirit of understanding sets a positive tone. Even if you don’t agree on every last detail, mediation enables compromise while feeling heard and respected.

If you’re planning a prenup, I encourage considering a trained mediator before tensions run high. An investment upfront in open communication and empathy can pay dividends for years to come in your relationship.

With Valentine’s Day approaching you may be considering an engagement to your loved one.

The Law and Mediation Office of Helene Bernstein is ready to wish you congratulations and speak with you about creating a prenuptial agreement that will allow you and your relationship moved forward on a solid footing.