There are few divorce cases where alternative dispute resolution, or mediation, would not be beneficial. The truth of the matter is that mediation is practical, and it’s an option you should keep in mind from the start of your case. The benefits of divorce mediation include:
- Less stress than litigation
- Minimize public exposure of your divorce by keeping grievances out of the public courtroom
- Less expensive than going to trial
- Some argue that mediated settlement agreements are more likely to be followed than court orders
There are few divorce cases where mediation would not be beneficial.
Divorce Mediation Gives You More Control
Mediations are held in law offices or other professional spaces that are typically more comfortable than a courtroom. This type of environment calms nerves and lends to an environment of trust and cooperation. With this, the focus is shifted toward solutions instead of focusing on “he said, she said” arguments.
Divorce mediation is not magic. It won’t fix a marriage and it won’t turn a messy divorce into a happy situation, but it does work to make sure both parties get some of what they want. Since it is a back and forth dialogue, each party has more control over the outcome than they would if a judge simply handed down orders.
Divorce Mediation is About Compromise
Both spouses need to focus on solutions to the problems impacting the family as a whole instead of focusing on negative emotions. Mediation works best when both people are determined to resolve the conflicts and are willing to communicate. Most importantly, both spouses have to agree to compromise.
Divorce Mediation is Not Right for Everyone
If your goal is to create a settlement agreement that both parties can agree to, then divorce mediation may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if one individual refuses to compromise, mediation would be a waste of your money and your time.