Divorce can be an incredibly personal process, and the outcome could shape the rest of your life. Leaving it in the hands of the courts may not offer the answers you want, but taking control could be possible by picking an alternate route.
Mediation could lead to a much higher level of satisfaction in the divorce process than litigation. The method rests more on teamwork than relying on a judge to sort things out, so you’ll be able to come to terms that might suit you better. These outcomes are possible thanks to the differences in how mediation handles the procedure.
Meeting near the middle
Mediation can help you resolve your divorce without heading to court, which could pay all kinds of dividends:
- Cost: Mediation can be a more streamlined, affordable process than full-on litigation. Instead of conforming to the rigid requirements of the courts, you can benefit from a system that allows you to resolve your case months faster for hundreds less.
- Custody: Litigation places a heavy emphasis on what the judge determines is in the best interest of the child, but they’re only getting a quick glimpse into your life. Better to come to an agreement between yourself and your former partner through mediation, which renders significantly more joint custody arrangements.
- Privacy: What happens in a courtroom is generally available for all to see. Open court and public records make it easy for prying eyes to get details on your divorce, while mediation happens mostly behind closed doors. The only thing that will likely see the light of day is the final agreement you put in front of a judge, not all the disclosure you went through to find your answers.
The courts may be well-versed in divorce, but they’re not an expert on your divorce. Working together with your spouse could be the way to get the results you’re looking for, that can deliver satisfaction for years to come.
