When you and your partner live in a house, it’s normal to have clashes between you. It happens in every home. However, sometimes these clashes can escalate, and you find yourself in a situation where you have to end the relationship. Divorce is no doubt a very difficult decision, but when you and your partner have decided to take part, you have to go through the whole divorce procedure. This is a legal issue and is usually solved in two ways: mediation and the court. However, mediation is mostly used by family law professionals to simplify the divorce process.
Here are the four benefits of choosing mediation over the court for your divorce.
1. Divorce Mediation Saves Money
When you opt for divorce through the traditional method, the litigation, you have to deal with a lot of different costs. These may involve attorney fees, court filings, discovery processes, and unpredictable trial expenses, which can be a huge financial burden. However, divorce mediation costs 60-70% less than litigation. It’s because in this process, you are sharing a neutral mediator instead of hiring separate attorneys to fight, which is far more affordable. You can avoid costly hearings and ongoing court motions, and you not only save money but you can also preserve your emotional resources.
2. Divorce Mediation Provides Faster Results
The litigation process is a lengthy process. It can take many days, months, or even years to be fully resolved. These court divorces are delayed for several reasons, which may include busy dockets, procedural requirements, and waiting for a judge’s availability. However, on the other hand, divorce mediation is a faster process than litigation because of its streamlined procedure. In this process, couples can schedule consultations with the mediator at their own pace. This can resolve the issue more efficiently, as you don’t have to wait for the court dates, and you also don’t need to go through the lengthy procedures of the court.
3. Divorce Mediation Offers More Control
Court decisions are usually made by judges, and they are to be obeyed, whatever the judge has decided. You can only appeal for the judgment in the court, which is again a slow and lengthy process. Divorce mediation, however, gives couples full power over their decisions. You and your partner work together to shape your parenting schedule, divide assets, and handle support, exactly as you both want. When you have this type of flexibility, you can have tailored agreements that match your family’s unique needs, and of course, the agreements you’re more likely to follow easily than a court order imposed on you.
4. Divorce Mediation Preserves Your Privacy
You may already be aware that court hearings are public, and settlement documents become part of the official record. Conversely, mediation is a private process and is done in a private place where only the people involved and the mediator are present. During mediation, the conversation remains confidential, and there is a less confrontational atmosphere. This type of environment helps couples avoid bitterness and violence, along with the privacy they want. Moreover, mediation supports healthier communication, which supports both adults and children and often leads to a respectful relationship post-divorce.
