5 Reasons to Mediate Your Divorce

I am often asked by clients as well as litigators, why choose to mediate your divorce? Here are just a few of the reasons why couples should consult with a mediator before fighting in court.

REASON 1: SAVE MONEY

If you were to google “How much does divorce cost?” You would probably see a range of prices from $15,000 to $50,000 or more. Divorce is expensive, but litigating a divorce will cost you BIG TIME. Lengthy court battles and attorney’s fees will affect your cash flow, which can be a burden on already financially strapped families. Divorce mediation can cost less than $5,000, quite a big savings for you and your family if you choose to work it out with a mediator.

REASON 2: SAVE TIME

Going to court takes time, scheduling court dates, attorney schedules and fighting can extend a divorce for many years. A mediated divorce can be resolved simply in just a few sessions with a mediator, quickly and efficiently.

REASON 3: CHILD CENTERED

Custody trials can be emotionally hard on families, children are often used as pawns between the two fighting spouses. Courts often decide custody schedules that they feel are best for your family, leaving both parents to try to conform to a plan that just doesn’t work. Parents know what is best for your children, not a third party decision maker that has no clue what your family needs to function efficiently. Why leave such an important issue for a judge to decide? You and your spouse know your finances, work and school schedules better than an outsider.

REASON 4: CONFIDENTIAL 

Mediation sessions are conducted in my private office, documents and conversations are confidential. On the other hand, if you choose to fight it out in court, your case becomes public, court employees, and other folks will hear your private family issues. No one wants to air their dirty laundry in court, where it becomes fodder for gossip and rumors. Protecting your reputation and your children’s problems from the community is a smarter choice.

REASON 5: AMICABLE 

Couples that mediate tend to honor their agreements and end the relationship peacefully. Even if you and your spouse don’t get along perfectly right now, you can still mediate your divorce! Having a guided conversation about financial and parenting issues with your spouse and a trained mediator can help further facilitate communication now and even after the divorce is final.

Not every case can be mediated, but if you are looking for an efficient, amicable and confidential process for your divorce please contact a qualified mediator for a consultation before you rush to court.