Marriage counselors and divorce mediators work in the same realm, albeit with different goals. While one is meant to rebuild your damaged marriage, the other helps you to divorce in a more collaborative way. Both paths can lead to desirable outcomes – be it a refreshed marriage or peaceful settlement.
Find out which path best suits your marriage, and if mediation is called for, don’t hesitate to consult an Orange County divorce mediator.
Counseling vs. Mediation
While a counselor’s goal is to help you and your spouse re-spark, reframe, and rebuild your relationship, mediators are in a different business. Divorce mediators help couples reach a divorce settlement, but are more collaborative alternatives to divorce attorneys, meant to side-step the tedious process of litigation. These professionals can help you dissolve your relationship without the typical costs and lengthy timeline of divorce lawsuits.
As you can see, the two roles have opposing goals. A divorce mediator will work closely with you and your spouse to reach an agreeable divorce settlement without litigation; on the other hand, marriage counseling is aimed at improving and maintaining your existing relationship.
When Counseling Is Called For
If you’re aiming to rebuild a damaged marriage, a trained marriage counselor can help. To put it broadly, counselors are meant to create a space for listening, open communication, and overall relational improvement. If you’re looking to dissolve your marriage rather than remediate it, an Orange County divorce mediator can lend a hand.
When Mediation Is Called For
While counseling is a method for marriage rebuilding, mediation is a collaborative route to divorce finalization. Mediators are lower-cost alternatives to hiring an attorney for litigation, and help to resolve marital disagreements that are holding up finalization of a divorce.
From the division of unique assets to custody decisions and alimony arrangements, a divorce mediator conducts these sensitive discussions to arrive at a mutually beneficial settlement. At the end, each spouse goes their separate ways, without bearing the costs, delays, and emotional weight of tedious litigation.
Do You Need an Orange County Divorce Mediator?
While mediation is the most collaborative route to separation, litigation is often a necessity. 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. No matter your desired path – mediation, a negotiated settlement, or even litigation – The Law Offices of Jennifer Owens will help you 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.