Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is a great option for couples who have agreed on an amicable separation or even for those who have reached a sticking point in divorce proceedings. You probably will still want to at least consult with an attorney first just to make sure your legal rights are being respected, but if you don’t foresee any real fights over the major issues with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you might want to consider pursuing mediation.
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is the process through with the spouses mutually agree to let a third party help them reach agreements on property division, debt division, custody, child support, alimony, and other important issues. This is especially beneficial for couples who want to avoid the infamous struggles of divorce and just want to make a break as cleanly, quickly, and fairly as possible.
What are the benefits of divorce mediation?
- Cost savings: One of the biggest benefits of going through mediation instead of through the adversarial court process is cost savings. You will not have to retain a lawyer through the process as she conducts discovery, draws up motions, and otherwise stays on top of your case. As stated above, it’s a good idea to consult a lawyer at the beginning of the process just to make sure you know what your rights and obligations are or may be, but you will not need to keep an attorney by your side through the process.
- Expediency: Another advantage is that mediation can greatly speed up the legal process; you may be able to get your divorce decree within months after reaching a separation agreement. In adversarial divorce proceedings, this could take years.
- Privacy: Going through mediation also ensures that your personal life stays private; there won’t be any chance of public divorce proceedings that could be in open court and even end up in the newspaper. Your family and friends will only know what you tell them — and not what they’ve heard or read about.
- Emotionally better for everyone: Especially if you have children, mediation can be a great way to spare them of a lot of the stresses that come hand in hand with a parents’ divorce; both you and your spouse will have more peace of mind as well without bickering and arguing over the small stuff. You’re also likely to feel like you have more control over the process too as you won’t have so many intermediaries in the way as you form agreements with your spouse.