Divorce is never easy, and taking your soon-to-be ex to court can make it even more difficult. However, there are legal options that can help keep you out of court and in control of your own destiny. Mediation is an excellent tool to utilize in place of litigation, and it’s often a favorable option even for your attorneys.
Mediation makes it faster and cheaper
The first reason to consider mediation instead of litigation is cost. Litigation can be an expensive endeavor, especially when dealing with issues such as property division or child custody. The longer the battle drags on, the more money will be spent on lawyers’ fees and other expenses associated with the case. With mediation, however, both parties have a chance to come up with their own solutions without paying anything upfront or having to wait for a court date that might not come for months.
It’s much more flexible than litigation
Divorce mediation allows couples to come together and try to resolve issues without having to go through a lengthy court process. This gives both parties the opportunity to have input on how their divorce will be handled, from how assets will be divided to how child custody will work out. Because mediation is flexible, couples can choose which issues are most important for them and work out a solution together. Litigation can be stressful because it’s an adversarial process where couples are pitted against each other rather than working together towards a common goal. Mediation allows couples to find common ground while still getting what they want out of the situation.
You get to control the process
Once a judge decides your case, their word is final. With mediation, you get the final word. Mediators are trained to respect both parties’ wishes during the mediation process and work with them collaboratively to reach an agreement that works for both sides. The mediator helps guide the conversation and facilitates discussion between both parties until an agreement is reached.
You don’t have to give up any rights or privileges in order for this to happen — everyone gets what they want out of the deal.
Mediation is a good way to make divorce less hostile and difficult, especially because it’s an option that doesn’t cost nearly as much as litigation would. A neutral third party ensures that everyone hears the others side of the story and tries to meet in the middle. Sometimes, it may not work—in which case, you can always hop back into litigation. But, for many couples, it’s worth a try and can be an effective way to end a marriage in a positive manner.
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