Before you escalate your divorce to the courts, you might want to choose a more civil form of settlement — mediation.
Mediation is a non-combative process of conflict resolution between ex-spouses. It is a type of divorce settlement that is facilitated by a neutral third party or mediator. The mediator facilitates the discussion and helps couples reach an agreement. If mediation is an option you want to explore, here are some advantages of choosing this type of divorce settlement:
It won’t break the bank
Court battles are quite expensive. Hammering out your divorce with a civil litigation attorney can cost you more than $20,000 to $40,000. If you’re not sitting on a massive fortune, then you might want to consider a more reasonable divorce settlement in the form of mediation. The price tag of this type of settlement is 60% less than the cost of divorce litigation. In the entire process of mediation, you’ll only be spending an estimate of $2,000 to $5,000.
Keep in mind that the cost of mediation varies depending on the complexity of the case. If you can easily come to terms about child support, alimony, division of property, and visitation schedules, then you’ll be saving a lot of money in a mediated settlement.
It doesn’t eat up your time
When processed in the courts, divorce can last for nine months to two years.
Imagine you’ll be going through the mentally exhausting and emotionally draining process of divorce for at least two years of your life. However, when you choose mediation, your divorce will last for only two to four months. Since this arrangement is more open to communication and negotiation, it won’t take long to reach an agreement. It’s easy for couples to develop solutions and map out plans because spouses choose to be cooperative, responsive, and flexible during the entire process.
Naturally, when there is less friction between two parties, it is easier to strike a bargain that is fair, satisfying, and reasonable. If you’re willing to put your differences aside to speed up the divorce, then this the route you should take.
It will spare you from the shame
Mediation offers a sense of privacy. Through this settlement, you don’t have to divulge every detail about your marriage in front of many people. You are spared from the shame, scrutiny, and humiliation that spouses have to go through in litigation proceedings. This type of settlement promotes a more civil, cooperative, and respectful form of conflict resolution between the two parties. It attempts to make ex-spouses talk about their financial problems, personal issues, and other concerns without an entire room filled with people tuning in to the dialogue.
In mediation, the details of the discussion are not open for public consumption, unlike in litigation proceedings. Until the last minute of the mediation, all your conversations will only be between you, your spouse, and your mediator. If you value your privacy, mediation is something you should look into.
It has the kid’s best interest at heart
The process of litigation does not only take a toll on the spouses but also the kids. Being exposed to a hostile environment is not healthy for children. Testifying in court and listening to arguments can be emotionally toiling for your little ones. But when settling with mediation, your kids don’t have to undergo the excruciating requirements of litigation proceedings. If you put your kids’ best interest and choose a more amicable settlement, then divorce won’t be mentally draining for you and your children.
Understand that witnessing their parents part ways is hard enough, but to see them rip each other apart in court is much more difficult for your kids. So if you don’t want to put them through hell, opt for divorce mediation instead.
It promotes a healthier co-parenting relationship
Mediation makes co-parenting an easier task. Since mediation harnesses a civil and collaborative relationship between ex-spouses, they are more likely to handle co-parenting with the same non-hostile behavior. Through this type of settlement, parents learn how to negotiate terms, make adjustments, and provide solutions when it comes to raising their children. Unlike in litigation cases that bring out the combative behavior of ex-partners, mediation makes a divorce a more positive experience for both the parties involved.
It allows a collaborative negotiation process
This type of settlement provides ex-spouses the ability to make their own choices without external control. A mediator will only facilitate the discussion but will not take over the entire negotiation process. Mediation also makes sure couples to hammer out arrangements that they feel are beneficial, appropriate, and fair to both parties. Ex-spouses can decide to an equitable split of assets, an equal parenting time, or a reasonable amount of child support per their preferences. If you want to obtain a fair divorce settlement, then you and your ex-partner should choose mediation.
Of course, mediation is not for every couple. If you’re a victim of physical violence in the marriage or your ex-spouse is unwilling to go the uncontested route, mediation is not for you. For complicated cases, an experienced civil litigator should handle it.
