Divorce is often a messy and painful affair, and it can be very costly as well. The good news is that there is an alternative to make it less stressful and more affordable. This method is known as mediation – a unique approach to divorce that offers a smoother conflict resolution process between feuding couples, ultimately leading to a less volatile, more productive separation for everyone involved.
Mediation uses an independent third party referred to as a mediator, who meets with the divorcing couple to discuss the details of their separation. Most states actually recommend going through mediation before taking your case to court to settle the divorce. Here are 5 benefits of choosing mediation over the court process.
1. It Is Less Volatile
Regular divorce proceedings usually involve frequent court appearances, attorney meetings, and multiple confrontations. Mediation, on the other hand, is designed to encourage friendly cooperation for the benefit of everyone involved. Apart from helping you decide the terms of your divorce, the mediator has the ability to ease tension, eliminate emotion, and help you and your partner behave accordingly. The result is reduced stress on the whole family, which is important to minimize the negative effects of divorce on other areas of your life.
2. It Is More Cost-Effective
Mediation proceedings are relatively simplified, which makes the whole process much less expensive than litigation. In fact, mediation costs about 40-60% less than the court process. Of course, there are certain factors that will also come into play, for instance, child custody arrangements and division of assets and debts.
3. It Is Quicker and More Convenient
A complicated divorce can take months or even years to finalize when going through the court process. In contrast, the average completion time for mediation is 4 to 10 weekly sessions. The relaxed, negotiable nature of mediation makes it easier to communicate and brainstorm unique solutions for any contingencies. This allows for a quick and efficient process as opposed to a toxic, combative approach that leaves everyone feeling burnt out and dissatisfied.
4. It Is Private and Confidential
There is very little privacy in divorces that are conducted in a public courtroom. The intimate details of the divorce are aired in public for everyone to see. On the other hand, mediation provides a welcomed sense of privacy and confidentiality, as the case does not even have to go to court. Everything is handled by the mediator, including document filing and signing, thereby ensuring everyone’s privacy. The court will only receive the final, signed agreement to finalize the divorce.
5. It Is More Ideal for the Children
One of the major benefits of using mediation for divorce is that it is relatively child-friendly. It allows you and your partner to negotiate custody issues and visitation in a quiet and peaceful manner, instead of subjecting your children to nasty custody battles. Indeed, the anger and bitter confrontations that are synonymous with regular divorce proceedings have been shown to have a tremendous negative impact on young children.
If you are interested in using mediation for your upcoming divorce, the Amsberry Law Firm can provide an attorney to advise and guide you through any hurdles. Call now at (210) 354-2244.
Attorney Russell J.G. Amsberry
Attorney Russell J.G. Amsberry founded the Amsberry Law Firm in 1995 with the goal of providing clients with exceptional, focused representation on their issues. His success as a legal advocate has been reflected in the numerous professional honors he has received, such as speaking engagements and inclusion in Scene in SA magazine’s listing of the best lawyers in San Antonio, a Distinguished rating from Martindale-Hubble, and an amazing rating from Avvo. [ Attorney Bio ]
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