Why Couples with Kids Prefer Mediation for Divorce

Aside from the costly, ongoing attorney fees that can be avoided by choosing mediation for divorce, there are plenty of other benefits concerning how divorce affects the family as a whole. Over time, more and more families have turned to this route due to its dependence on collaboration, which cultivates a healthier environment for children moving forward. Here are the main reasons why mediation is becoming an increasingly preferable option for divorce settlements. 

Mediation for Divorce is Quicker than Litigation

You’re likely aware of the horror stories which revolve around divorce in Orange County, with many couples taking a handful of years to formally separate. While these are worst-case scenarios, they’re also reflective of litigation’s time-consuming nature. Mediation for divorce typically takes far less time to reach a settlement than litigation, all without having to take it to court. 

Fosters Healthier Relationship Between Parents & Children

Those who have experienced divorce know that hostility only exacerbates the pain for any children involved. Rather than placing their children in the crossfire of unhealthy communication, an increasing number of parents are looking to mediation as their next step. Entering mediation ultimately turns hostile situations into collaborative negotiations, allowing for both parents to start anew. Choosing mediation for divorce is especially helpful in cases of shared custody, since it thrives off of a cooperative relationship between the parents. 

Saves Children the Memory of Parental Arguments

Children are more intuitive than most people think. They hear nearly everything, and tend to walk in at the most inopportune moments. If a child observes continuous hostility between their parents, their outlook on relationships risks changing for the worse. Some parents take a parallel parenting approach, where they maintain separate rules and parenting styles, along with separate homes. This is a preferred strategy when amicability between parents is not always possible, and helps to keep children protected from hostile scenarios. A more collaborative approach, referred to as “co-parenting,” thrives off of the parents working together for a positive environment free of contempt. Either way, entering mediation for divorce to flesh out these details will ensure that you have a plan for your children moving forward. 

Avoid Divorce Litigation with a Settlement-Minded Family Law Attorney

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 marginally 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 reconciliation 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.