Ending a marriage is painful enough as it is. The uncertainty for the future can be crippling, along with the nonstop fees associated with litigation. To dampen the pain and expenses, many couples opt for an alternative divorce solution: divorce mediation.
However, mediation isn’t the be-all, end-all divorce solution – it has some drawbacks as well. Get familiar with the pros and cons of divorce mediation, and consult our office if divorce mediation is your chosen path.
Pros & Cons of Divorce Mediation
Pros
Rather than shelling out the legal fees for litigation or risking errors with a DIY divorce, consider mediating towards a settlement that works for all parties involved. Here are some ways you can benefit:
It’s Less Costly Than Litigation
Generally speaking, mediation will cost noticeably less than battling it out in court. Instead of hiring two lawyers for each party, you’ll share the mediator’s costs with your spouse. And since the timetable for divorce mediation is often much shorter than litigation, you’ll save countless dollars that would’ve gone towards incessant legal fees.
It Saves You Time
In most cases, divorce mediation will finalize faster than if you go through court. Negotiations and arranging a conference session take far less time than getting on the court’s docket. Not only does this save you time and money on constant legal fees, but also the ongoing emotional pain of a lengthy divorce.
It’s Informal & Comfortable
Since divorce mediation takes place outside of court, it’s seen as a more informal divorce mechanism. Walking into a mediator’s office as opposed to a courtroom is far less anxiety-inducing, after all. Thanks to its informal nature, mediation can bring ease to you and your spouse, while keeping you both committed to the process.
Cons
On the other hand, divorce mediation has its flaws. Some marriages are simply too hostile to mediate, and most mediators don’t harbor litigation expertise. Take note of these potential cons to mediation:
It’s Not For Everyone
Simply put, divorce mediation can’t do it all. In many cases, litigation accomplishes what mediation cannot. If a partner is manipulative, threatening, or abusive, for example, consulting a divorce mediator may not be in your best interest. Thankfully, your chosen mediator will work to determine whether or not divorce mediation is the optimal solution for your case.
Not All Mediators Offer Legal Advice
Divorce mediators are skilled at sparking collaborative marital discussions, but most aren’t qualified to share legal insight. However, a trusted mediator with litigation experience could inform both parties on what to expect from the litigation process – which is what we offer at the Law Offices of Jennifer Owens.
When you mediate with us, you gain a trusted divorce attorney and mediator wrapped into one package. This allows you to make truly informed decisions about your family’s future, but without the fees of two separate attorneys. Save time, money, and the anxiety of court by opting for divorce mediation.
Peacefully Settle Your Orange County Divorce
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.