On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Divorce Mediation on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
The decision to divorce is a big one that most people take seriously. Because of the magnitude of the impact the decisions made in relation to a divorce will have on the rest of your life, it is important to do what is necessary to secure a settlement that addresses your needs. The way that settlement is reached could have a bearing on the outcome.
While for some couples the only way to resolve the matter is litigation, for others, the alternative dispute resolution method of mediation is a good choice. Couples who opt for this method will work with a neutral third party to reach an agreement. Though that individual does not make decisions for the couple, they do help by setting realistic expectations and can assist the parties in finding common ground from which to work.
Because of the more cooperative nature of this method of dispute resolution, mediation could be a good option for divorced couples who have children. It is less contentious than going to court and generally takes less time that litigating the matter. It also allows for creative problem solving which could be particularly helpful where custody matters are concerned.
Other reasons why this approach is appealing to many—even those without children— are that it is less expensive and less complicated than litigation.
There is no question that ending a marriage is stressful and can be difficult to navigate. Finding a process that best suits your needs could help to keep those difficulties to a minimum.
Related Posts: Understanding the basics of divorce mediation, Divorce mediation could help sort out financial issues, The good divorce, How To Keep Your Divorce Out Of Court: The Benefits Of Mediation