The Many Benefits of Mediation
Divorce can be expensive and filled with conflict, but it does not always have to be. For those willing to work together and avoid a lengthy legal battle, mediation can be a great option, and can help you save time, money, and emotional energy. If you and your spouse can agree to be amicable during the divorce process, and are hoping to reach an agreement outside of a courtroom, consider mediation. At Abear Law Offices, we believe mediation can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Take a look at a few of the many benefits of mediation when deciding which divorce method to pursue.
It Can Be Conflict Free
Even if you and your soon to be ex plan on being friendly during a litigated divorce, the stress of opposing lawyers and courtrooms can easily lead to conflict. For those hoping to divorce amicably, mediation is a great option. Instead of opposing lawyers, you and your spouse will work with a trained divorce mediator who will help guide you to a divorce agreement works for both of you. Instead of an intense day in divorce court, you will be working in private, most likely in an office, with the mediator. There is no need for trials and hearings, just a willingness from both parties to work together.
It Can Be Cheaper Than a Litigated Divorce
Hiring opposing lawyers can be costly. Rounds of negotiations between lawyers can add up quickly, leaving both you and your ex with expensive bills to pay. When compared to a litigated divorce, mediation can be a much more cost effective option. Mediation in general takes less time than a litigated divorce, saving both parties money and energy. Mediators are often more affordable than divorce attorneys as well. Additionally, there will be no court fees to pay, as your case will stay out of court completely.
Many couples worry that they may not reach an agreement through mediation. Mediators are trained to recognize when their clients have hit an impasse and will encourage them to pursue an alternative divorce method. A large number of couples who do not reach an agreement through mediation still find they have worked through some of their issues with their mediator, and the following divorce process is simplified.
You Call the Shots
With mediation, both you and your spouse must agree before anything is finalized. Your mediator will help guide you, but they do not have the authority to make decisions for you. A mediator will help you and your spouse work through your issues and come to amicable decisions together, and you will present your final agreement to a court for approval. With litigated divorces, if the case goes to court, the judge has the final say. With mediation, you call the shots.
It Can Help with Future Co-Parenting
If you and your soon to be ex share children, you need to prepare for co-parenting in the near future. Mediation often saves couples months of fighting back and forth, so when the dust settles from the divorce, they still have an amicable relationship intact. This is especially beneficial for parents, who will likely stay in close contact until their children are grown up. Additionally, co-parenting can be challenging at times, and can lead to conflict. Many couples who divorce through mediation say they are better able to tackle and move past conflict as co-parents because they have experience doing so.
Abear Law Offices Can Help
At Abear Law Offices, we believe in helping our clients keep their divorce as painless as possible. For this reason, we often encourage clients to pursue mediation. Of course, couples unwilling or unable to work together may not be suited for mediation, but for many others, mediation can save time, money, and energy. Call 630-904-3033 to speak to one of our qualified DuPage County family law attorneys today.
Source:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christina-pesoli/mediyaytion-why-your-upco_b_9982006.html