There are many benefits that spouses can derive by working with one another during a divorce. Agreeing to mediate any disputes can give spouses more control over the final terms set in the divorce decrees.
They can limit how much conflict they experience, which can be important if they need to raise children or run a business together after the divorce. The mediation process requires communication and compromise, making a scorched-earth approach counterproductive. Additionally, mediation can allow for a faster divorce process if couples successfully settle their disagreements.
How does mediation speed up a divorce?
The timeline for a litigated divorce can easily stretch beyond a year, especially if the marital estate is expansive or the spouses have minor children. Mediation can streamline that.
Even at its most complicated, divorce mediation is typically still faster than litigation. It takes months to get a hearing in family court, and the judge’s review of the case before their final ruling can add additional months to the overall divorce timeline. More time in court also means higher overall expenses.
Working with a mediator to negotiate disputes may seem like a lengthy process. Some couples require multiple sessions, possibly spread out over weeks, to overcome all of their disagreements and set terms that they agree are appropriate.
While divorce mediation does require patience and cooperation, it can be both faster and more cost-effective than a litigated divorce. Spouses who commit to mediation and pursue an uncontested divorce may reduce the delays inherent in the process. Looking into low-conflict solutions for divorce proceedings can be beneficial for those who want to avoid delays and unnecessary complications.