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Why Divorce Mediation Is a Good Idea: Keep The Peace

Is Mediation a Good Idea in Divorce: The Pros & Cons

If you are considering a divorce, it is important to know there are alternative options to the traditional litigation process. Private mediation is an alternative collaborative divorce process which can benefit divorcing parties while also helping them to reach a fair outcome. Unless there are allegations of domestic violence, divorce mediation allows you to turn your divorce into a collaborative process facilitated by a neutral mediator instead of an outright war in order to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

This article, prepared by the Philadelphia divorce mediators at Peaceful Separation and Divorce, explains why divorce mediation is preferable to formal litigation and how divorce mediation helps divorcing parties reach agreements following one or more rounds of settlement discussions.

The Advantages of Mediation in the Divorce Process

A common question people ask “is mediation a good idea in divorce”? People are unaware divorce mediation is available or mistakenly believe divorce mediation is designed to facilitate reconciliation. The reality is voluntary divorce mediation, and sometimes court ordered mediation, allows people to cover all the issues which would be litigated by a family law attorney in a formal divorce case such as child support, spousal support, child custody, and division of marital assets and marital property.

Less Cost

A divorce in court can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and expenses for the services of a divorce lawyer, in a complicated case. Divorce mediation, which is conducted outside of court, is often less expensive because it takes less time, involves no formal discovery, less divorce paperwork, and requires no court appearances by a divorce attorney. Additionally, you can share the cost of a divorce mediator and the divorce mediation sessions with your spouse, which can reduce your overall divorce mediation cost.

Less Combative

Litigation and the divorce process are inherently adversarial. Unlike divorce proceedings decided by family court judges, divorce mediation works as a non-adversarial process which encourages communication and cooperation between divorcing couples. Unlike the formal divorce process, divorce mediation is not about “winning” or “losing” a divorce trial but reaching a mutually agreeable final agreement at the end of a mediation session.

Faster

A divorce which is litigated in court can take a year or possibly longer as opposed to a mediated divorce. This is due to the lack of available court dates, the discovery process, potential motions, multiple court hearings, and trial preparation. Unlike litigation, one or more mediation sessions can be completed within a few months with the assistance of a neutral third party

Greater Control

A Judge decides the outcome of a litigated divorce after each side presents their arguments. With divorce mediation, you and your spouse have more control over the result of your divorce. Instead of a judge making decisions for you based on legal concepts, you can work together to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

Better for Children

The divorce process is never easy for children as they sometimes become pawns used by each spouse to gain an advantage. Divorce and child custody mediation can make the process less traumatic for the parents and the children. It allows divorcing spouses to maintain a supportive environment for their children while also creating and preserving amicable relationships with each other.

A Brief Rundown of the Divorce Mediation Process

The divorce mediation process involves several steps beginning with selecting a qualified and trained. divorce mediator as a neutral third party as opposed to a divorce attorney who is a litigator. After you and your spouse choose a divorce mediator, you must work with the divorce mediator to develop an agenda and collect relevant information and documents. Finally, you must enter the divorce mediation process with a non-confrontational attitude, allowing you to reach a favorable resolution.

Talk with a Philadelphia Divorce Mediator Today

If you are considering divorce mediation in Philadelphia, it is important to work with an experienced and qualified mediator. The Philadelphia divorce mediators at Peaceful Separation and Divorce can help guide you and your spouse toward a mutually agreeable solution and prepare a marital settlement agreement which allows you to restart your life while avoiding the stress of the formal divorce process. Instead of retaining a family law attorney,Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a family law divorce mediator.

Is Mediation a Good Idea in Divorce?

Divorce mediation is a cost-effective, non-adversarial, and faster alternative to traditional divorce litigation. Additionally, divorce mediation allows a divorcing couple to have greater control over the outcome of their divorce and create a more amicable environment for their children while also confronting difficult subjects, such as child custody and complex financial matters such as child support, with the assistance of a neutral mediator. Get compassionate guidance from an experienced divorce mediation lawyer, contact Peaceful Separation & Divorce to explore how mediation can benefit you and your family.