Divorce can be one of the most difficult and stressful experiences you can go through. As you work to negotiate a settlement that will meet your needs, address the many ways your life is changing, and take steps to ensure that you will be treated fairly, the process of divorce can be emotionally draining. Fortunately, there are alternatives to traditional litigation in court, and divorce mediation is often the most beneficial option for everyone involved. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of mediation, you can decide if this method is right for you.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
As you consider whether to use mediation, it is important to understand exactly what it entails. Divorce mediation is a voluntary process in which two divorcing spouses attempt to settle their differences with the help of a mediator. The mediator is an impartial third party who facilitates communication between the spouses and helps them work together to reach an agreement on all issues related to their divorce, such as child custody, division of assets and debts, spousal maintenance, etc. It is important to note that the mediator does not make decisions or provide legal advice; instead, they act as a facilitator by helping each spouse understand the other’s point of view while guiding the couple towards agreements they can both be satisfied with.
Advantages of Divorce Mediation
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Cost savings: One of the primary advantages of divorce mediation is that it will provide savings for both parties, especially when compared to traditional court proceedings. While you and your spouse will still be advised to hire separate attorneys, and you may need to pay some court fees during your case, splitting the costs of a single mediator will be much less expensive than paying for your attorneys to negotiate with each other, appear in multiple court hearings, and prepare for a trial. Since the mediation process is often much faster than litigation, it can help save a great deal of time and money in the long run.
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