The divorce process can be an unpleasant experience, but it doesn’t have to be downright awful.
If you and your soon-to-be ex are able to reach an agreement that works best for the two of you, then it’s likely you can avoid the negative effects of going through court.
Divorce mediation is when both parties work with a mediator, who will help facilitate conversations that lead to mutual agreement and, in turn, fewer negative effects than if you were to go through with a lengthy court battle.
There are plenty of benefits associated with a meditated divorce that are too good to pass up on, including the following:
1. Save Time and Money
A mediated divorce settlement can be reached in a fraction of the time it would take to litigate in court.
You and your spouse will have more control over the outcome of your divorce since you’ll be making the decisions yourselves instead of leaving it up to a judge.
The mediation process is typically less expensive than going to court since you won’t have to pay for attorneys’ fees or court costs.
Litigation is expensive, costing anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 in legal fees. In contrast, mediation is significantly less expensive; most sessions cost about $300-$500 for each party.
2. You Know What is Expected of You
When you go through mediation, you and your spouse will be expected to disclose all financial information to each other.
This includes tax returns, bank statements, and credit card bills. You will also need to provide proof of income, such as pay stubs or W-2 forms.
This process is called discovery. The mediator can help facilitate this process, but both spouses must fully cooperate with the mediator and tell the truth. It’s not enough for one person to do it.
With a mediated divorce, you know exactly what is expected of you. There will be no last-minute surprises typical of court cases.
3. Get Peace of Mind
When you go through a divorce, it’s important to protect your mental health.
A lengthy court battle can be emotionally draining and it’s often stressful.
On the other hand, divorce mediation offers a more peaceful way to end your marriage.
Going through a long legal battle can be stressful for both parties because it takes up so much time and energy that could otherwise be spent rebuilding their lives.
With mediation, both parties will have equal input in creating the agreement, so there is no one left feeling like they got the short end of the stick.
The process is also confidential, so any sensitive information about your marriage will stay between you and your spouse instead of being a public record.
You and your spouse will be able to remain on good terms after the divorce since you’ll have worked together cooperatively to reach a settlement.
Conclusion
Divorce is tough. Not only on the couple splitting up but also on their families.
If you have kids, you want to minimize the impact that divorce has on them. That’s why mediation is such a great option for divorcing couples.
When two people sit down with an unbiased mediator, they’re able to come up with agreements together and decide how they will divide property and handle child custody arrangements.
The process can be less stressful than going through court battles, and it allows the family members to get back together.
Click here to learn more about divorce mediation from an experienced attorney!
Luciana joined our team as a mum blogger in 2020. A dedicated mum to a lively daughter and a dog, Luna, Luciana brings authenticity and passion to every post. Her expertise in parenting and lifestyle topics offers practical, relatable advice for real-life situations.