Why More People Are Mediating Instead of Litigating Divorce
Why More People Are Mediating Instead of Litigating Divorce
If you’re contemplating or currently going through a divorce, you’re likely well aware of just how draining and emotionally challenging this time can be. While there are a multitude of reasons that may have led you to this point, how you begin the actual proceedings is largely up to you and your spouse.
If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are ready to part on terms that aren’t especially acrimonious, mediation, or working alongside a neutral third party to discuss and resolve any outstanding issues and property considerations, may be a great choice for you. Here’s a look at why more and more people are choosing mediation rather than litigation when the time comes to split with their spouses.
It’s Less Emotionally Draining
While dissolving a marriage is never easy, mediation is one method couples are increasingly turning to when they don’t want to put themselves or their families through the adversarial strategies employed by attorneys much less a public courtroom battle. Not only does mediation typically cost far less than litigation, but it is also typically less challenging on your emotions because you, your husband or wife and an impartial third party work through the process together. Mediation works best because a mediator helps divorcing couples put their emotions aside and make rational, well thought-out decisions.
It Saves You Time and Money
If your legal separation or divorce lands in court, you should be prepared to shell out big bucks for attorney fees, legal fees and other expenditures. You also may face lost wages because you’ll be largely at the mercy of the court’s own schedule. Mediation, on average, costs less than $5,000, which is substantially less pricy than a typical courtroom divorce. Furthermore, you have far more flexibility in terms of setting your mediation schedule and working through issues on your own time. Whether you’re seeking a solution as soon as possible or simply want more time to consider all aspects of the separation or divorce, mediation gives you more control over your own meetings and timeline.
It Enhances Your Chances of an Amicable Separation
Many people choose mediation as opposed to divorce because they feel it will help them communicate more openly and effectively with the ex-spouse once the marriage is over. Ideal for anyone looking to make a strong effort to reduce tension as well as anyone with children in the mix, mediation gives you and your spouse an opportunity to work through your issues slowly and without the intrusion of a judge. It also helps keep your marital issues more private, as opposed to forcing you to air your “dirty laundry” in a courtroom environment.
While mediation is not for everyone, in most cases it eases some of the pain of the separation or divorce process and gives you a strong alternative to attorney-driven litigation.