To get a divorce, you must file a lawsuit in court. This does not mean, however, that the divorce process must be battled out in a courtroom. In fact, more peaceful pathways outside of traditional litigation are becoming more popular with couples looking to divorce amicably. Divorce mediation, for instance, is one such alternative to getting a divorce without litigating your divorce issues through court.
In mediation, spouses utilize a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate the resolution of the issues involved in a divorce. The mediator, as an impartial third-party, helps the parties reach mutually agreeable resolutions to issues such as spousal support, property division, and other key divorce issues. The mediator engages the parties in discussion regarding each issue in order to fully understand both sides and work toward finding common ground.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation
There are several significant benefits to divorce mediation. The first of which is that divorce mediation, as opposed to litigation, provides a faster, more cost-effective approach to divorce. Because the parties are in such control of the process and can drive things forward at a faster pace than the courts usually are able to do, the divorce can be finalized faster. The court system is clogged with cases to be litigated. You have to wait for court dates and hearings to be scheduled. The delays and costs associated with litigating a divorce can be a burden and can be extremely frustrating. Divorce mediation allows you to circumvent this. In divorce mediation, the settlement is generally reached quickly when compared to when it goes through the court system. A faster process also means a cheaper process.
Divorce mediation is also very empowering to the parties involved. The parties are in control of the process. Yes, the mediator is also present, but only as a neutral third party whose focus is on driving the process forward through productive discussion and understanding the needs and wants of both sides. Because the parties to the divorce mediation have so much more control over the process, there tends to be a higher rate of compliance with the agreement reached in mediation as opposed to something that is court-ordered.
Mediations Is a Much More Peaceful Process
The mediation process also tends to be much more peaceful and low stress. The hostility when spouses are placed in the adversarial litigation process can be intense and unproductive. In mediation, the mediator will focus on keeping the peace. Instead of focusing on the problems, mediation will focus on those mutually agreeable solutions that keep the interests of both parties in mind. Because the spouses are working together in a process that works to preserve peace and positivity, it is very well suited to those spouses who have children. Not only does the stress of litigation pour over onto the children, but the results of litigation can also erase any semblance of goodwill between the parties. Divorce mediation will preserve the relationship and foster the beginning of a positive co-parenting team.
Another added benefit of divorce mediation is that it is much more private than going through litigation. People often forget that the court is a public forum. Proceedings are generally open to the public. Mediation is confidential. No one will know what is discussed in the mediation besides the parties and the mediator.
Contact Our Orlando Divorce Attorney Today
While there are many benefits to divorce mediation, it is still not right for everyone. If you are considering mediation, talk to the trusted divorce attorneys at Orlando Family Team. We’ll help you consider all of your options. Contact us today.