Few people look forward to their divorce negotiations. These often painful discussions can leave you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse anxious, stressed and angry. Add in a courtroom, two lawyers and a huge legal bill, and it is no wonder that more people are turning toward mediation to negotiate their divorce.
Over the past 20 years, mediation has become incredibly popular for divorcing couples. Mediation enables you and your spouse to draft your divorce agreement together, avoid a judge and enjoy many other benefits.
Mediation can benefit you for years
Couples motivated toward compromise and collaboration are best suited to benefit from mediation. If your spouse is abusive or threatens harm, a courtroom divorce can offer you the protection you need. If you and your spouse can communicate and work together, you can benefit from mediation in the following ways:
- Confidentiality: What you say in a courtroom enters the public record and may impact future disputes. Mediated negotiations are confidential, allowing you and your spouse to speak your mind without legal repercussions.
- Choice of mediator: Unlike a judge, you get to choose your mediator. A local lawyer familiar with divorce law can recommend several professional mediators. Professionals will use their communication training to guide the discussion toward a compromise. Prioritizing empathy and listening, a mediator will help you understand what your spouse wants and how to give them that without sacrifice.
- Lower costs: Traditional divorce can cost each spouse nearly $15,000. Mediation is much cheaper, as you will avoid all court and personnel fees. Attorneys often charge less for mediation hours and many states will cover the mediator’s fee.
- Faster resolution: A courtroom divorce requires an opening in the court’s schedule. You may have to wait for months to begin negotiations. Mediated negotiations occur at a location and time of your choosing.
- Better results: A mediated divorce often produces better agreements than a courtroom divorce. Mediation allows you to design an agreement on your terms while a judge may rule over decisions in a courtroom.
Bring your questions to a local attorney
Mediation can help you develop communication and empathy skills that will serve you in other areas of your life. If you have questions about using mediation for your divorce, you can find answers with a local attorney familiar with Georgia family law.
