If you and your spouse are ending your marriage, you may be leaning toward a traditional divorce in court.
However, there are alternatives to litigation such as mediation or collaborative divorce. Could one of these options be a better choice?
Litigation basics
Traditional divorce is often lengthy, expensive and contentious. The courtroom procedure is open to public scrutiny and a judge will make decisions you must adhere to.
Mediation benefits
As opposed to litigation, mediation is a private process that takes place outside of court in more relaxed surroundings. You and your spouse would meet with a neutral third party, a trained mediator, who will offer guidance as you work together to develop a divorce settlement agreement. You set the pace. Mediation is usually much faster than litigation and, as a result, less expensive. Communication is key in mediation and will help you control the outcome of your divorce.
Collaboration advantages
In a collaborative divorce, both you and your spouse would engage the services of specially trained collaborative attorneys. You will exchange information voluntarily and agree on procedures that simplify the process and reduce expenses. You can call on outside professionals such as accountants, appraisers, financial advisers and childcare experts to assist. With their help and the guidance of your attorneys, you can negotiate a divorce settlement that is satisfactory to you both. By working together, you can also make decisions as to how you will manage post-divorce issues, such as those regarding the raising of your children.
Open to consideration
Every divorce is unique. For example, in a contested divorce, litigation may be the only logical choice. However, if you and your spouse can work together, mediation or collaboration may be a better option.