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Have you considered mediation as an option for divorce? Well, maybe you should. No matter how you approach things, divorce is unquestionably one of the most challenging processes a person can undergo. Divorce is the undoing of a relationship which we thought would be permanent and lifelong. For many people, divorce represents a kind of failure, an instance in which we’ve “come up short.” It’s important to understand that there is no reason to allow a divorce to define you. As much as divorce represents the end of something, it also signals the beginning of a new chapter. Along with the emotional toll, the divorce process can be one of the hardest aspects of divorce to deal with. This is why mediation has become an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional court-based divorce process. In this post, we will discuss the two primary reasons why mediation can be a good option for divorce.
Overview of Mediation
Mediation is a process which occurs outside of the traditional court environment. A couple seeking a divorce will hire a “mediator.” A mediator is essentially an intermediary who will facilitate communication between the parties. During mediation, the parties will stay in separate rooms, so they won’t be able to communicate directly with each other. The mediator will shuffle back and forth between the parties, trying to resolve the disputes along the way. Couples can reach agreements on every aspect of the divorce in this manner. This includes property division, child custody, visitation, and so forth. Child support, however, is an area which must be determined by the official guidelines of the state.Mediation usually requires multiple sessions to complete. Rarely can couples finalize all aspects of the divorce in a single session. What’s more, the parties generally will have their own attorney during the process. Most parties prefer to have an attorney present for additional counsel. You can use an attorney to help negotiate and discuss aspects of the divorce with the mediator. After the mediation, if all aspects of the divorce have been finalized, then the divorce itself will be finished. There will be no need to litigate anything in court. However, if the couple cannot reach agreements on certain things, then those things will need to be handled in court. So, in some cases, divorces can be settled partially through mediation and partially through court proceedings.
Mediation is Usually Less Expensive
One of the primary advantages of mediation is lower cost. Although it’s not really possible to give an average for mediation, the cost is usually substantially lower than a traditional court-based process. Everything depends on how many sessions are required to complete the process. And, if private attorneys are hired, this will also increase the cost. But, on the whole, the typical mediation is a better option for most people from a financial perspective. Most attorneys charge more for litigation, so a court-based divorce is generally significantly more expensive.
Mediation Provides Less Stress
Another big advantage of mediation is lower stress. Divorces which take place in a court environment typically come with an extremely high level of stress. One reason for this is that the participants have to work around the schedule of the court. In mediation, by contrast, the parties can arrange sessions which don’t conflict with their schedules. This contributes to reduced stress. Also, the court environment itself generally adds to the stress level of the parties. Mediations have a more informal feel to them, and this can be a big positive when going through a divorce.
Contact The Murphy Law Firm for More Information
If you’d like to learn more about mediation or other related topics, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Murphy Law Firm today by calling 240-493-9116.
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