Benefits of Mediation for Divorce
Spouses often debate whether to attend mediation for divorce. Here are 7 benefits of divorce mediation in California.
7 benefits of mediation for divorce include (1) saving money, (2) avoiding court, (3) saving time, (4) less stress, (5) privacy, (6) being in control of your own life, and (7) protecting your children.
1. Save Money
Mediation can be a great way for spouses to save the costs of a nasty, drawn-out divorce. On average, divorces settled through mediation cost between $1,500-$3,000, and divorces that end up in court cost almost 10x more (between $15,000 and $40,000). Divorce mediation is a smart, practical way for spouses to resolve divorce disputes outside of court.
2. Avoid Court
Spouses in divorce often choose mediation because they want to avoid court. This is because court litigation can be drawn-out, and end up costing each spouse high legal fees. Also, spouses in court ultimately don’t have control over their divorce terms; a judge will evaluate each dispute and make court orders as they see fit. By going to mediation, spouses can avoid the time, money, and energy that is wasted in court.
3. Much Faster
Spouses that choose mediation tend to complete their divorces much faster than those that attend court. On average, the divorce mediation process takes between 2 and 4 months, while the divorce litigation process takes anywhere from 9 months to 2 years. Mediation for divorce can end up saving you and your spouse a lot of time.
4. Less Stressful
Because your divorce is shorter, that means that you’ll spend less time worrying about how your divorce is going to turn out. Courts can pin spouses against each other, leaving them both on edge to tear each other down. In mediation, spouses don’t tear each other down; they collaboratively work to build a brighter future.
5. Private and Confidential
Divorce proceedings in court are open to the public, meaning that anyone can sit and listen in on your personal family matters. Mediation provides a private, confidential setting for spouses to comfortably negotiate divorce terms. Under California law, divorce mediation proceedings remain confidential. Any verbal or written agreements, discussions, and disclosures are private in mediation.
6. Protect Your Children
The more conflicts there are you in your divorce, the more your child will be affected by it. A fierce custody battle can psychologically and emotionally impact children. In court, children can be asked to testify and choose one parent’s side. This can yield detrimental, irreversible effects on a child’s relationship with their parents. Mediation can show your children that you and your spouse are willing to work together and are not ending your marriage on bad terms.
7. You’re In Control
Arguably, the greatest benefit of mediation for divorce is the control that both parents have in determining their futures. In court litigation, a judge ultimately makes legally-binding decisions on the couple’s behalf. In divorce mediation, spouses can agree to divorce terms and have their divorce agreement approved by a judge. An experienced mediator can provide a proper setting for you and your spouse to reach a fair divorce agreement.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mediation for Divorce
While mediation can be an advantageous way for spouses to resolve disputes amicably, it’s not always the best option. Spouses that truly can’t agree to divorce terms may find it best for a judge to resolve their disputes in court. Also, situations involving abuse or hostility may be best handled in a courtroom. If you and your spouse are willing to resolve divorce disputes civilly, then mediation may be right for you.
Free Consultation With a Divorce Mediation Attorney in California
If you need divorce mediation in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified mediator for your unique divorce. Get your free consultation with one of our divorce mediation attorneys in California today!