Many divorces involve an element of conflict between the splitting couple. However, a contested divorce is not always the way to go. If you and your spouse agree on how to handle some of the critical issues surrounding the divorce, like child custody or property division, you can save yourselves a lot of trouble.
You can achieve this by having a mediated divorce. Here is how it works.
You may need a mediator
If you prefer an out-of-court settlement for your divorce, you both have to agree to the terms of the divorce. All the court will do is formally recognize the agreement and approve it.
Therefore, if you cannot reach a consensus on certain aspects of your divorce, you may need to rope in a mediator. They will facilitate communication between the parties and conduct negotiations to help find a viable solution that works for everyone.
The end goal is to avoid any contest between the separating couple.
The benefits of a mediated divorce
You will not only save on money that you would have otherwise spent on legal fees, but a mediated divorce also takes less time to settle. In addition, it is possible to keep everything private, unlike in a contested divorce that could put you and your family in the public spotlight.
Is mediation right for your divorce?
Despite the many perks, mediation does not work in every divorce. It may not work if you do not have the goodwill and cooperation of your spouse. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the circumstances of your divorce to determine whether mediation is the best way to go about settling things.
When done right, mediation could be the best way of handling your divorce. Perhaps the biggest beneficiaries will be your children, who will not have to witness their parents going at each other.