From Separation to Settlement: How Divorce Mediation Helps Parents Move On

You and your partner have made the decision to part ways. Whether it be due to financial conflicts, relational struggles, or a million other reasons, it’s now time to decide which route to take. Many divorcing parents end up opting for the traditional route of litigation, unaware of the advantages offered by confidential divorce mediation sessions. 

Before you contact a Mission Viejo divorce lawyer for professional help, consider these reasons for why mediation especially helps parents move onto the next chapter in their new lives.

Divorce Mediation Is Child-Focused

Consider these two scenarios: on one hand, litigating your divorce in court gives a judge the ultimate say in how your children’s future will proceed. On the other, divorce mediation resolves marital issues in a controlled environment outside of the courtroom, meaning you and your ex-partner will have more of a say in your children’s future. This includes how you draft parenting plans, child support agreements, and other documents related to your child’s growth and development post-divorce.

In short, divorce mediation operates under the question of, “How will this impact the children involved?” This renders divorce mediation the most child-oriented divorce option, alongside the peaceful, constructive atmosphere created by a skilled mediator.

It’s a Peaceful Approach

When you mediate, statistics are on your side. In fact, a study of 450 divorce cases by the Negotiation Journal found mediation to be 78% effective in reaching an agreeable settlement. Although the conflicting emotions caused by divorce can drive you and your spouse to hire your own lawyers, it doesn’t have to be a full-on court battle. In fact, hiring two separate lawyers is far more expensive than hiring a single mediator that works to benefit both parties, rather than there being a “winner” and “loser.” By hiring one mediator, or a Mission Viejo divorce lawyer with mediation expertise, the divorce will be more solution-oriented than a route of litigation. 

A skilled mediator will encourage you and your partner to harbor any emotional pain or feelings of hostility, with a focus on moving on towards a brighter future. When you compare this style of reaching a settlement to the competitive and often hostile nature of litigation, it’s obvious that divorce mediation is the most peaceful approach.

Move On In a Confidential Manner

Plenty of soon-to-be divorcees forget that since divorce litigation in court is a public forum, anyone can search your case online or sit in on your case firsthand. Whether it be your friends, family, neighbors, or arch nemesis, litigation puts your divorce on full display for all to see. This can make it especially difficult to move on post-divorce. 

Rather than letting any relational skeletons escape the closet, divorce mediation is completely private and significantly less humiliating. All settlements and discussions are kept between you, your spouse, and your chosen mediator. Furthermore, any case files, meeting notes, and agreements such as parenting plans or child support documents are kept secure by your mediator. This is thanks to the Uniform Mediation Act, which renders all mediation discussions confidential unless certain circumstances arise. In short, divorce mediation sessions allow you and your spouse to gain your fresh starts thanks to this confidentiality, alongside a more peaceful and child-focused atmosphere.

Settle Outside of Court with a Mission Viejo Divorce Lawyer

Divorce is an emotional journey to endure. On top of the bitterness and anger which often result from a formal separation, the subsequent legal battles tend to make the whole process even more painful. At the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens, we revel in the power of choice. When spouses face divorce, they’re presented with a slew of decisions with a handful of potential outcomes. Our attorneys are believers in the best possible outcome, where a former couple chooses peace over destruction, so that they can finally move onto their next chapter. We can help with that. No matter your desired path – mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will achieve the best possible outcome by reaching a settlement that keeps all involved parties in mind. Visit our website to review our family law services or contact us online for a free consultation.