Divorces have a reputation for being expensive, stressful and lengthy. But not all of them are. Believe it or not, some divorces DO go fairly smoothly – as some couples realize that long, nasty court battles aren’t in anyone’s interests.
That’s why many couples opt to choose mediation as a means to separate amicably. In some states it’s required, but in many states its not and at the end of the day – it might end up being the easiest path forward for you both.
Mediation is simply conducted by a trained and impartial mediator who helps a couple develop an agreement between the two parties. The spouses negotiate for what they want and if there’s any hiccups, the mediator helps resolve it. Once you’ve agreed, you sign a binding agreement that if one party breaches the contract- the other party can go to court to enforce it.
There are many benefits to this process, and here are some of the significant ones.
Cost
Divorce is expensive enough and if you want to see costs skyrocket – go to court. Mediation also operates without attorneys – meaning that this option is significantly cheaper. Getting used to being a one income household is hard enough – but mediation can help take the edge off.
Its faster
Despite your difference, when it comes to a divorce, you and your spouse both share a common goal: to end the relationship and get on with your lives. Divorces can drag on for months and even years. Mediated divorces move much faster – usually reaching a conclusion within a few months.
More control
Both parties enter into an agreement. That means decisions are made by you and your soon to be former spouse. When you go to court- that might not always be the case. In fact a judge will make a determination for you. So if you want to have more control over the potential outcome – mediation can be an excellent tool.
Children
Nothing gets chippier in a divorce than managing children and keeping them front of mind. Divorces drag out not just the anxiety and raw emotions of the life change for you and your soon to be ex; but your children as well. Your focus ends up being more about child support, spousal support and managing a financial future.
With mediation, it allows you to really keep them front of mind and find an agreement that turns down the heat and makes the transition more palatable for everyone involved.
When mediation works, it can make a huge impact not just on you, but on others in your life. If you’d like to learn more, give our team a call today and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then, good luck!
