If you are about to divorce, you are probably dreading the thought of going to court. As you know, it can take a lot of time and money to settle a divorce through litigation. What you might not know is that there is an easier way.
Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution used to solve everything from international diplomatic crises to business disputes. Over the last few years, it has become an increasingly popular way to resolve family law issues such as divorce and child custody.
How does divorce mediation work?
You and your spouse both seek separate legal help to understand the laws you must work within and develop your plans. You need to look at the assets you have and how the law would divide them. If you have children, you need to decide what you would like to happen, taking into account what the law says about child custody.
Once you are both ready, you and your respective attorneys will attend a mediation meeting hosted by an impartial third-party mediator. You state what you want, your spouse says what they want, and the mediator helps you try to find a happý compromise.
If you fail to reach an agreement, you can still resort to litigation. However, remember that no one can force you to accept anything you do not want to in mediation, unlike litigation, where the judge’s decision is final.
As long as you and your spouse enter mediation with the right attitude and want to find a peaceful solution to your situation, mediation can resolve your divorce efficiently, saving you time, money and a whole lot of stress.