7 Benefits of Divorce Mediation
Divorce mediation is a more economical alternative to divorcing through a legal court trial. It helps resolve disputes by engaging a third party who assists the divorcing spouses in reaching an agreeable solution. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential, unbiased process which both parties must agree on. The mediator is neutral by definition and not empowered to make any decisions or give legal advice to either party. They can help you avoid future conflicts and improve your communication. In this article, we will focus on the main benefits of divorce mediation and see why it is extremely helpful.
#1 It saves money
Divorce through mediation costs significantly less than divorce through litigation. Since families experience financial strain when they begin supporting two homes, decreasing divorce expenses is a wise and practical decision. Mediation is so appealing for each party because it keeps money in their pockets. Total costs of mediation depend on the number of sessions needed to complete the process. It’s usually charged by the hour or by the package, depending on each case. Hourly rates and package prices depend on the mediator, but that shouldn’t be the only deciding factor for choosing who you’ll work with. Make sure to find an experienced mediator with good communication skills and excellent reviews.
#2 It saves time
The average overall time needed for a litigated divorce is much longer than the average time required for the divorce mediation process. Mediation is focused on quick information-gathering and decision-making. It often has rapid progress and shortens the amount of time all family members have to endure the anxiety coming from unresolved issues. Mediation is very efficient since it happens on your time and schedule. So, you can finalize the process in a matter of weeks or months. It all depends on how agreeable you and your ex are about the compromises. As soon as you reach a settlement, you can move on with your life.
#3 It protects the children
Divorce impacts children’s psychological and emotional health. The best way to protect your kids is to talk to them during the process and avoid heated conflicts with your partner as much as possible. The adversarial, litigated approach can escalate conflicts, increase stress and leave long-lasting scars. It can put your children’s well-being at risk, especially if they are involved in a custody battle. Children often need to testify and choose one parent’s side at court.
On the other hand, divorce mediation is a professionally guided problem-solving solution that meets the needs of the whole family. Divorce mediation allows parents to reach individualized agreements addressing their specific concerns and the particular needs of their kids. Divorce parties don’t have to take harsh public positions against each other. Mediation enhances the possibility of co-parenting in a cooperative manner. It shows children that parents are willing to work together for their benefit, as they are not ending their marriage on bad terms.
#4 It’s less stressful
One of the main benefits of divorce mediation is that it is a short process, which means that you’ll spend less time worrying about how everything will turn out. Courts turn spouses against each other, leaving them both on the edge of their nerves. In mediation, spouses don’t have to tear each other down. Instead, they work collaboratively to build a better future. During the mediation process, spouses don’t waste their energy, like those that are going to court. If you want to skip the battle of words, emotions, and finances, and avoid annoying filings and proceedings, mediation is the right choice.
#5 It’s confidential
Divorce proceedings in court are open to the public, while mediation avoids courtrooms and provides a private, confidential setting. It enables spouses to comfortably negotiate divorce terms. Mediation does not include hearings open to the public, so you don’t have to be afraid that you’ll become part of the public record. Any verbal or written communications, agreements, discussions, and disclosures are private. Successful mediation provides a way to solve your disputes while keeping your business yours and nobody else’s.
#6 You remain in control
Divorce mediators are professionals who guide and educate people through their parental, financial, and legal issues. With their help, divorce parties can make their own informed decisions about what is best for themselves and their family. Mediators help ex-spouses to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively
- Consider and discuss all options
- Take responsibility for their choices
Divorce mediation means that no attorney or judge will take control and make crucial decisions instead of you.
#7 You get customized solutions
A litigated divorce has a very traditional and straightforward approach with many downsides. One of the benefits of divorce mediation is that ex-spouses get customized solutions for their individual circumstances. They can think outside the box and develop a fair settlement agreement. Mediation has a personalized approach and considers unique needs and goals that may differ for each family.
Moving into a new home during the divorce
There’s no need to emphasize how stressful the divorce can be for both spouses and their children. Moving out is quite common during a divorce, especially if there is ongoing conflict and animosity. This will hopefully alleviate household tension, but if you want the whole process to be as easy and smooth as possible, ensure to have enough help. When moving out from your former home, support from your friends and family members will mean a lot. However, in order to get cozy in your new place, you’ll also need to have professional help. Hiring reliable residential movers and choosing the services needed for your relocation will let you save valuable time and focus on other important things, such as healing from your divorce and helping your kids through it.
The bottom line
As you can see, there are some obvious benefits of divorce mediation. It’s certainly a good start for a peaceful, less stressful, non-contentious, and amicable divorce. It can help ex-partners reach an agreement on many important areas of life, and it can also be beneficial for many years to come, allowing you greater post-divorce stability.
Photos Used:
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How great that mediation allows parents to reach agreed-upon decisions regarding children. We are getting a divorce this year. I will find a good divorce mediation service close by.
It’s great that this article discussed how mediation offers a private, confidential atmosphere and circumvents courtrooms, whereas divorce processes in court are public. It makes it easier for couples to agree on the conditions of their divorce. You don’t need to worry about your record being public because mediation does not include public hearings. All agreements, conversations, disclosures, and correspondence—written or spoken—are kept confidential. My closest friend, who wants to divorce her husband for personal reasons, could find this to be useful advice. I will advise her to think about seeking the assistance of a divorce mediator since she wants to safeguard her privacy and the privacy of their children during the divorce process.