Divorce is most often perceived as a contentious and emotionally draining process, but it does not have to be a battle. In today’s world, many couples are turning to alternative ways of navigating the complexities of divorce, such as mediation and collaborative divorce.
What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party—known as a mediator—facilitates a conversation between divorcing spouses with the goal of helping them reach a mutually agreeable solution, which can result in a legally-enforceable divorce settlement.
Mediation can cover many, if not all, aspects of a divorce, including:
- Division of assets
- Child custody
- Child support
- Spouse support
What is collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce is a team-like approach to the divorce process. In it, attorneys trained in collaborative law and other professionals, such as financial advisors, child specialists and others, help the couple make all necessary decisions for their divorce.
Like mediation, collaborative divorce also aims to resolve disputes without going to court.
Benefits of mediation and collaborative divorce
The benefits of these methods of alternative dispute resolution are many, including:
- Cost-effectiveness
- Control over the outcome
- Reduced conflict
- Privacy
- Faster resolution
- Focus on relationships
Mediation and collaborative divorce offer a compassionate and effective alternative to going through the courts.
These methods are much less adversarial and help couples navigate their separation with dignity and respect by prioritizing communication between the divorcing spouses.