Divorce can be lengthy, stressful, expensive, and complicated,… but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to make it more amicable, which ultimately benefits everyone involved. One resource that couples can take advantage of is mediation. This involves an objective third party who facilitates negotiations and helps both parties come to a fair agreement. Here are some of the key benefits of mediation in divorce.
1 – Save Money
You’ve probably heard horror stories about how divorce can lead to financial ruin. As difficult as it may be to hear, this is often the result of either or both parties being too stubborn to make concessions to the other. Instead, excessive money is spent fighting it out in court. As much as you want to financially hurt your soon-to-be ex and/or stand your ground, it’s important to realize that this ultimately hurts your own financial health. Significant money can be saved through mediation.
2 – Save Time
Mediation can also save time. Scheduling time with a mediator is easier and more flexible than formal court hearings. You can essentially have several mediation sessions within the same time frame as one hearing in front of a judge. If you and your ex approach mediation with in good faith, everything can be finalized much more quickly. Settling a divorce allows you to move on with the next stage of your life, so a quick resolution offers huge benefits.
3 – Reduce Stress
Divorce is probably one of the most stressful experiences in life. Mediation is designed to encourage cooperation and compromise, making it inherently less stressful. Rather than the argumentative approach of a court proceeding, mediation sessions are a less formal and calmer meeting between parties. The mediator’s job is not to take sides or to decide who is right or wrong. Rather, it’s to help you and your ex find a comfortable middle ground.
4 – Maintain Privacy
One of the most essential benefits of mediation in divorce is to maintain privacy. Court proceedings and the corresponding documentation is all public record. Divorce is hard enough without everyone knowing your business. If you prefer to keep the details of your personal life and financial affairs private, mediation can help you do that. Mediation sessions are private. Thus, any information divulged and agreements made are not available to the public.
5 – Better Outcomes
Ultimately, mediation leads to better outcomes. As we mentioned before, if your focus is to hurt or punish your ex, you’re ultimately hurting yourself. Draining his/her funds reduces your portion of those same assets. Asking family and friends to take sides to help argue your case in a contentious court battle can damage relationships. If you have children, their role in divorce proceedings can be psychologically and emotionally damaging for them. Mediation can be more peaceful, protect your children, and preserve other relationships in your life.
Additionally, when divorce cases get in front of a judge, there are few options available due to limited time and/or legal constraints. Mediation is more conducive to creative solutions, limited only by the willingness of the parties involved. Your relationship is unique and sometimes solutions need to be as well. This creates better outcomes for everyone involved.
Summary of Benefits of Mediation in Divorce
As you can see, there are many benefits of mediation in divorce. It all starts with your willingness to participate in it and to work towards finding common ground. Divorce can leave you stressed, broken, and financially distraught,… or it can leave you whole and with the resources to start a new chapter in your life. Consider mediation as your choice of the latter. Regardless of which path you take, understanding your legal rights and options is essential. Contact our team of Massachusetts family law attorneys to discuss your impending divorce. Be sure to also read our article on 4 divorce mediation tips.