While most television shows depict divorce as an adversarial process with couples fighting over everything from property division to child custody, the reality is that this is not the only way to settle a divorce. More and more couples are turning to mediation as an alternative to litigation for its less acrimonious approach to divorce.
However, many still believe that mediation is not the option for them for a variety of reasons.
They do not get along with their spouse
Just because a divorcing couple does not get along does not mean mediation will not work for them. It is the mediator’s job to ensure the discussion remains productive and on track. The mediator will help couples make fair decisions on their family law issues.
They will not be able to fight for the assets in mediation
However, couples can bring in any outside experts to calculate the value of property and all related assets to ensure that a fair appraisal is made and the division is made accordingly.
The best place to get child custody is in the courtroom
While every parent wants the best for their children, the best place to achieve that is not always the courtroom. A contentious custody battle puts children in the middle and prolongs it. Mediation, on the other hand, can end up putting parents on the same side as they try to find an arrangement that works for everyone. They also learn new tools to use when communicating with one another about children.
Despite its advantages, mediation is not always the best approach for every divorcing couple. To understand what one’s options are to resolve one’s divorce with the best outcome as possible, it might be helpful to consult an experienced attorney.
