It’s estimated that there are nearly 673,989 divorces each year. Despite their reputation, divorces don’t always need to be bitter battles. More often than not, you can keep the divorce out of courts through mediation in matrimonial law.
Mediation is the process of you and your partner sitting down with an objective third party and working things out so a judge doesn’t have to.
So why should you always consider mediation? And what happens if neither side will budge on mediation issues? In this guide, we’ll answer these questions so you can get a better sense of whether or not mediation is the right call for your divorce.
Why Should You Consider Mediation for Divorce?
The divorce process can not only be long but also expensive. This is especially true if it needs to go before a judge to be resolved. Once the divorce goes before a court, it can get especially painful, too.
This is often when all the dirty laundry gets cleared out for everyone to see. At the end of the day, the important decisions surrounding the dissolution of your marriage will be made by people who don’t know the intricacies of you or your relationship.
Divorce mediation allows you to work out these differences in private. More importantly, it can lead to an amicable divorce.
This can save you thousands of dollars and prevent any kids you might have from going through the trauma of a courtroom divorce. As such, it’s almost always recommended to at least try mediation first.
How to Choose a Divorce Mediator
It’s important that any divorce mediator you choose needs to have a background in family law. That way, they can come up with agreeable solutions to challenging problems like child custody.
Considering that 43% of couples said that parenting differences were the biggest source of conflict in their marriage, this will likely be important if you have kids.
They also need to be objective and impartial to either side when it comes to divorce law. This is a neutral party that shouldn’t bring any biases to the negotiating table.
Lastly, make sure both individuals in the couple feel comfortable around them. You will be discussing difficult subjects, so you can’t be afraid to be open around them.
What Should You Do If Mediation Doesn’t Work?
If the couple can’t work out a divorce agreement through mediation, then the courts will have to decide. When it comes to this you will need to hire a divorce lawyer to defend you.
Besides making the process smoother, these professionals are vital for defending your finances and parental rights. Just make sure you choose an experienced divorce attorney.
Need Help With Matrimonial Law? Contact Miller Zeiderman LLP
We hope this guide helped you learn more about mediation in matrimonial law. Here at Miller Zeiderman LLP, we know that divorce is one of the toughest life events you’ll have to go through.
That’s why regardless of whether you choose mediation or litigation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So if you’re ready to get legal experts who care about you on your side, schedule a consultation with us today.