An exciting trend in divorce suits has developed over the past 20 years. Instead of traditional courtroom litigation, couples are employing mediation to negotiate their divorce. This alternative dispute resolution puts the control in your hands, allowing you and your spouse to build your divorce agreement together.
Mediation may not work for every couple. If your spouse has a history of domestic violence or threats, a courtroom can offer you the legal protections you may need. If you and your spouse can work together, mediation can provide several benefits.
Cheaper, faster and more satisfying
Couples turn toward mediation to take control over their divorce and avoid disappointing rulings or judgments. Mediation also allows a couple to save money, time and even a little sanity. If you choose mediation, you can look forward to:
- Choosing your mediator: With traditional litigation, the court assigns you a judge. With mediation, you choose from many local professional mediators. Mediators will guide the discussion toward collaboration and compromise, helping each spouse listen and empathize with each other.
- Saving money: Traditional litigation can cost up to $15,000 per spouse with its costly court fees and high rates for lawyers. Mediation will cost significantly less, as many states cover a mediator’s fees, lawyer charge lower rates and courtroom fees are non-existent.
- Saving time: Mediation can produce a resolution much faster than litigation. Couples using mediation will not have to wait for an opening in the court’s calendar and can schedule their sessions whenever and wherever is most convenient.
- Confidentiality: A court reporter will record everything said in a courtroom, allowing lawyers in future disputes to access the information therein. Mediated discussions go unrecorded, allowing you and your spouse to express yourselves without legal consequences.
- More satisfying results: Studies indicate that couples feel more satisfied with mediation than litigation. Mediation focuses entirely on producing a divorce agreement that pleases each individual, instead of a judge who issues rulings and punitive measures.
Legal counsel can help compare options
If you have questions about divorce, you can find answers with a local attorney familiar with California’s family laws. A lawyer can help determine if mediation is right for you, recommend professional mediators and draft a fair and equitable agreement.
