9 Reasons to Consider a Mediated Divorce

9 Reasons to Consider a Mediated Divorce

If divorce is in your future, you are probably already feeling stressed and overwhelmed. You have a thousand questions to answer and countless decisions to make, all while keeping up with your work or other obligations. If you have children, your anxiety may be even greater.

The last thing you need is a contentious divorce process that will heighten the negative emotions even more. You have probably heard stories from friends or relatives about the battle that can occur in a courtroom between divorcing spouses, and you know this is not what is best for you and your family. Fortunately, there are more peaceful methods of dissolving your marriage, including mediation.

Why choose mediation?

Mediation involves you and your spouse with your respective attorneys meeting privately with a trained, neutral third party called a mediator. Together, you and your spouse discuss and work out the most common divorce issues, such as child custody, property division and support amounts. The mediator’s job is to keep the conversation focused and moving forward. Even when mediation involves some arguments or disagreements, you may see any of the following benefits:

• Mediation is often faster and less expensive than a litigated divorce.
• The result of a mediated divorce is often a more amicable, cooperative relationship between ex-spouses, which is critical if you are co-parenting.
• You and your spouse can use creative methods for arriving at a settlement that is best for you, rather than accepting a court order based on legal precedent.
• Your divorce remains private instead of becoming a matter of public record as it would in court.
• Mediation allows you and your spouse to consult professionals to assist you with resolving complex matters.
• Many couples find that mediation helps them improve the way they communicate with each other.
• Mediators are trained to prevent anger or disputes from escalating during the process, so you may accomplish more in less time.
• You and your spouse have control over your settlement instead of leaving it in the hands of a judge.

In the end, many couples agree that their mediated divorce is mutually beneficial and workable for the long term, whereas those who go through the litigation process may be left with an unsatisfying court order and frequent returns to court for modifications or disputes. If you and your spouse agree that mediation is best for your divorce, you will want to find a mediator who is skilled and committed to helping you resolve your concerns, as well as having a wide range of legal experience in Washington family law matters.