Could mediation be the best divorce option for the two of you?

If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, you may dread the thought of a lengthy divorce in court.

Mediation is another option that many divorcing couples prefer because of its advantages over litigation. What can you expect to happen if you choose mediation?

A form of ADR

Divorce mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. Sessions take place outside of court and no judge will be present. You and your spouse will meet with a trained mediator, a neutral third party, whose goal is to assist you in reaching a settlement agreement. The mediator will not take sides but will keep your negotiations on track, provide access to legal information as needed and offer recommendations to help resolve any sticking points that arise.

Mediation advantages

No doubt one of your chief concerns is your financial future. The divorce will likely reduce your income stream and you will need to construct a new budget. A traditional divorce in court can be very expensive. However, because mediation is a much quicker process than litigation, it is usually much less expensive. In addition to the savings in time and expense, mediation is less stressful than a sometimes-contentious divorce in court. You and your spouse will also control the outcome of your divorce rather than having to abide by the decisions of a judge.

Family benefits

Experience shows that mediation is easier than litigation for children to manage. It is a more relaxed divorce option that focuses on respect, teamwork and communication. The communication skills you learn during mediation will be useful in the post-divorce world as you build your new family structure and continue to raise your children.