Divorce Mediation vs Litigation: What You Need to Know
When faced with the difficult decision to end a marriage, the next challenge can be determining what path to take in order to get the divorce finalized. Mediating a divorce is one option that couples can choose when looking to end their marriage in a more amicable way. Another option for many couples is divorce litigation. Which is right for you? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Married couples who are looking to get a divorce can look to a divorce mediator to help them reach a mutual agreement. This is a voluntary divorce mediation process that the two parties enter into in order to create custom-made terms that best fit the needs of their family. This process can be quicker than litigation simply because both parties tend to be on the same page when it comes to the terms of the divorce. Without the lengthy timeframe, mediating a divorce can be a more affordable option as well. This option is best for couples who are in a similar place regarding how they want the marriage to end and what their divorce terms should be.
What Is Litigation?
Litigation is what occurs when couples cannot settle their divorce outside of a courtroom. With this method, couples often must seek the help of a divorce lawyer who will represent them in court. Once the cases are presented, the judge ultimately decides what the terms of the divorce will be. This path can be a more lengthy process, simply because there are more hoops that need to be jumped through so that final divorce terms can be set. This option is best for couples who are not able to come to an agreement and need outside intervention.
Deciding Which Is Right for You
Are you in the process of getting a divorce? Are you having trouble coming to an agreement with your partner? Asking yourself these questions is vital to determine what path will be best for you and your family. Not only is divorce an emotionally exhausting time, but if not settled quickly, it can also become a huge expense. Divorce rates in the United States can range anywhere from $15,000 to $42,500. Whether you choose to follow the path of divorce mediation or litigation, coming to terms that are acceptable by both parties is what’s most important.
Navigating through the divorce process is never easy, but deciding if mediating a divorce or litigation is the right move for you and your spouse is an important step in the right direction.