The divorce process is often painted as contentious, dramatic, and painful. And while there are certainly divorces that look like this, it does not have to be this way.
In fact, most people in California can avoid the worse parts of the divorce process by opting for alternatives to litigation like mediation and collaborative divorce. These options can be beneficial for several reasons.
Finding better solutions
When people go to court, they want a judge to rule in their favor. In mediation or collaborative divorce, parties work together to reach resolutions. This allows people to find mutually agreeable solutions that better fit their specific situation.
Setting a good example for kids
Divorce is difficult on children; seeing parents battle in court can only make the situation more upsetting. When children instead see parents working together, it could make the process easier for them to cope with. Further, parents can set a good example for kids by showing that compromise and peaceful resolutions are possible, even when it is very difficult.
Saving time and money
Most people want to minimize the amount of money they put into a divorce; many people also want to get through the process as quickly as possible. Mediation and collaboration can allow people to do this since they avoid or minimize court costs and scheduling limitations. This results in greater efficiency.
Minimizing animosity
Litigation pits one party against the other, giving spouses incentive to make false or inflated allegations, reveal unflattering details or take a firm stance on every issue. This can create or exacerbate animosity. On the other hand, mediation and collaboration encourage parties to prioritize cooperation, which can reduce parties’ motivation to make problems for each other during the legal process. The professionals are present to help you and not to escalate.
These are just some benefits to resolving divorce matters out of court in California. To learn about other ways in which mediation or a collaborative divorce could be in your best interests, you can discuss your specific case with an attorney.
However, understand that every divorce is different and not every matter can be resolved outside of court. As such, it is important to familiarize yourself with all the options available so that you can make informed decisions about your situation.
This article was originally published at the following link: https://www.divorcepage.com/blog/2018/10/the-many-benefits-of-settling-a-divorce-outside-the-courtroom/