If you’ve decided to get a divorce, the traditional court litigation model is not your only option. There are a variety of different alternative dispute resolution options that allow you to handle your divorce out of court and in a more cooperative and dignified manner.
Mediation is perhaps the most popular form of alternative dispute resolution. In mediation you and your spouse will work together with a neutral third-party mediator to iron out the details of your divorce with the intention of reaching a settlement that is agreeable to both parties.
What are the benefits of mediation?
If you and your spouse believe you can work together respectfully to find solutions during your divorce, mediation might be your best bet. Listed below are some of the advantages of choosing mediation in a divorce:
- It’s faster. In a traditional divorce, you will have to consider the schedules of two attorneys (you and your spouse’s), as well as the court. Lawyers are notoriously busy people, and it’s common for court dates to get pushed back and drag out a divorce for months, sometimes even years.
- It’s cheaper. Paying lawyer fees to litigate can be expensive. In mediation, you’ll only have to pay the mediator.
- It’s private. When you use the court system for your divorce, it’s done in a public court room. That means anybody can listen and know the details of your divorce. With mediation, the process is entirely private and confidential.
- It’s easier on the kids. In a traditional divorce, things can get ugly since the objective of both sides is to win. Unfortunately, as conflict escalates, children are either indirectly or directly embroiled in their parents’ conflict. Mediation provides parents an opportunity to work together to arrive at solutions that benefit both parties, and reduce conflict. This creates a more collaborative environment that is more suitable for children and where better decisions can be made by parents on behalf of their children.
- It’s less stressful. A traditional divorce typically involves contentious lawyer meetings and court appearances. But in mediation, your mediator will work to promote a friendly and cooperative environment. As a result, the entire process tends to be less stressful.
- It’s empowering. In mediation, you and your spouse will be in control of the process. You won’t have to delegate your power to an attorney or judge.
- Higher rate of compliance. Because both parties play a pivotal role throughout the mediation process, there tends to be a higher rate of agreement to the solutions that are reached.
Looking for a mediator in Fresno?
If you are considering divorce in Fresno and San Diego and not sure if mediation is right for you, contact The Law Office of Rebecca Medina today at 559-324-5427 in Fresno or 858-285-4315 in San Diego. We have experience handling mediations in Fresno and San Diego and can discuss your options in detail before you decide. We take pride in helping people resolve their divorces in the smoothest way possible.
