Most divorcing couples want to get things over with as quickly and easily as possible. No one wants to be stuck in a divorce for years on end. However, once you start duking it out in court, you get sucked into the divorce machine. The process often ends up taking on a life of its own.
Divorce Litigation Is Expensive
When you file for divorce, the other party must answer, then there are disagreements that are addressed with more filings, and more answers, and before you know it, you are $40,000 in the hole and feeling defeated. Attorney fees range from $200 to upwards of $800 per hour. If each spouse obtains an attorney, even a quick divorce can end in financial ruin. With more people struggling just to pay their bills, divorce litigation is neither a realistic nor a financially sound option.
Divorce Litigation Destroys Trust
During litigation, the claws come out. Couples attempt to highlight each other’s flaws in an attempt to persuade the court and most things said in court become part of your public court record. When parties have children together that they must co-parent, this mistrust, anger, and resentment destroys any change of a respectful friendship in the future. This type of negative co-parenting relationship hurts the children and can significantly impact their emotional well-being
You Have Other Options
If you and your spouse want an amicable divorce that won’t cost a fortune, you have alternative options. Divorce mediation is a fantastic option for couples that simply want to go their separate ways while maintaining a level of respect and understanding. Here are just a few of the many benefits of divorce mediation:
- A low-conflict divorce helps to build a strong co-parenting relationship with a former spouse.
- Mediation is a much more inexpensive option than each party hiring their own attorney.
- You never have to step foot inside a courtroom.
- You can choose specific issues to discuss with your mediator that would be not addressed in court.
- Mediation is 100% confidential, unlike the courtroom.
Divorce Mediation
This Halloween, don’t fall into the divorce litigation trap; contact West Coast Family Mediation today to schedule a consultation with our divorce mediators.
by: Amanda Singer
