People often imagine divorce as a battle in the courtroom with two angry spouses trying to win. Understandably, these impressions can make people fearful of the process, defensive and willing to do whatever they can to avoid “losing.”
Thankfully, this is not how a divorce must play out. Mediation is a common alternative to litigation that has several benefits.
- It is cooperative rather than combative. In mediation, parties must work together to identify solutions to custody, support and property division matters. This approach gives people the incentive to negotiate terms and identify creative resolutions through cooperation rather than making demands.
- Mediating family legal matters can be in your child’s best interests. Parents who take a peaceful, respectful approach to divorce can shield children from ugly court disputes. Further, they know their children better than anyone and can be the best people to create a parenting plan that is in a child’s best interests.
- Mediation can be less expensive and faster than court. Staying out of court can save divorcing spouses time and money, which can be crucial. You can schedule sessions on your own time and avoid expenses like court costs.
- It can help parties be more satisfied with the outcome. When divorces go to court, individuals have less control over the result because the ruling is up to a judge. Participating in the process through mediation gives people the flexibility and control to design settlements and agreements. This can help people feel more satisfied with the outcomes.
- It protects people’s privacy. Litigation is a public process, meaning details of your finances and personal life will go on the record. On the other hand, mediation is confidential, which allows parties to keep sensitive information private.
With these benefits in mind, you may want to discuss the logistics likelihood of mediating your divorce or another family legal matter with an attorney. You can contact the Quinn Law Firm at 814-806-2518 to discuss your case.
