What are the benefits to mediating a divorce?

Spouses who divorce often struggle to be in the same room by the time the legal process is underway. Some can’t even speak to each other without erupting into fights and disagreements.

Under these circumstances, it can seem impossible to resolve the various matters related to the divorce cooperatively. However, even when spouses are less than amicable, they can still work together to settle divorce-related matters in mediation. Those who do so typically find numerous benefits to this approach.

Regaining control over the outcome

No one knows your situation, your family and your feelings about the future better than you do. Rather than leaving decisions that affect all these things up to a judge you have likely never met before, you can make the decisions yourself in mediation. Working together – while difficult – can help you regain more control over the outcome, which can increase the likelihood that you will be satisfied with it.

Sending a good message to your kids

We tell our children that they can resolve their differences peacefully and by talking it out. Mediating a divorce is an especially strong example of this. Working together can also show children their parents are still committed to being there for the kids. Instead of battling it out in a courtroom, parents can present a more united front that sends a message of stability to their children.

Minimizing contention

Mediation requires parties to work together, rather than square off in a legal battle. It gives both people the opportunity to express their position, and do so with the help of a neutral mediator. It can also be faster and more cost-efficient than litigation and help. Because of all this, there is less incentive for parties to drag out the process or do things just to hurt the other person.

When you consider these and other potential benefits of mediation, it can be easier to commit to the process – or to at least consider it. However, to determine if it can be right for your specific situation, it can be prudent to consult your attorney.