A nearly universal assumption in our society is that when a couple divorces, they are required to go to court. After all, this has traditionally been the case. Now couples who are contemplating divorce have different options about how to proceed. One of the most popular—and effective—is mediation.
Which one a couple should pursue depends on a number of circumstances that include the reasons for the separation, the willingness of each partner to work with the other to reach an agreement, and whether or not the divorce itself is unilateral. Just as no two marriages are alike, divorces have their own individual complexities and nuances.
Litigation: When Is It Recommended?
Although there are several different alternatives like mediation and collaborative divorce, litigation remains the most common divorce method. It is important to remember that going the litigation route does not automatically mean a courtroom battle between you and your spouse. The reality is that the majority of all divorce cases reach a settlement agreement out of court.
Litigation may be the better option for your divorce action if:
- One party does not want the divorce: This situation is adversarial by its very nature. The cooperation and voluntary disclosure of all financial information required for mediation to work is not likely to be forthcoming.
- You and your spouse cannot agree on key issues: Child custody and support, maintenance, and division of assets and debts are central parts of any divorce action. If you are unable to reach a settlement on one or all of them, litigation will be necessary.
Mediation: When Is It Recommended?
In mediation, a neutral third party known as a mediator helps a divorcing couple come to an agreement on every aspect of their divorce. This option is growing in popularity, and studies suggest that couples are more likely to comply with the terms of their divorce settlement if they have helped to create it, which mediation enables.
Mediation is a preferred option for your divorce action if:
- Both parties are amicable and willing to compromise: You may not agree on absolutely everything, but a positive attitude and skilled mediator will help you and your spouse compromise on issues you may still disagree about.
- Children are involved: Mediation makes the divorce process less stressful for children because there will be minimal anger and hostility involved. The presence of children makes it necessary for parents to maintain a relationship after the divorce is finalized, so mediation should be pursued if at all possible.
The benefits of mediation include a better relationship with your ex-spouse afterward, a less expensive and more efficient divorce process, and the ability to control your own divorce because you are making the decisions—not a judge.
If you are planning to divorce and wondering whether litigation or mediation is more appropriate for your circumstances, contact the Douglas Family Law Group, PLLC today. We will provide you with legal advice, answer your questions and help you review your options when it comes to the best way of concluding your marriage.
