As divorce mediators, we are always surprised at how many myths and misconceptions there are out there regarding the divorce process. We want each and every one of our clients to have the information and resources available to make informed decisions regarding their divorce. Part of that process is to dispel rumors and myths that often come up about divorce.
#1 Divorces Are Always Incredibly Expensive
While this is often the case with divorce litigation, divorce doesn’t always have to be expensive. On average, people can pay $20,000-$30,000 a piece to complete their divorce. This may be enough to make you want to stay miserably married forever. However, there is a solution! Mediation has a flat fee option that is a fraction of the cost of divorce litigation. Our affordable packages include everything you need to complete your divorce from start to finish.
#2 Divorces Take Forever to Finish
Divorces that have a lot of conflict and disagreement can take quite a long time. It isn’t unheard of for divorce proceedings to stretch a few years. However, it tends to be the exception, not the rule. This is particularly the case when you work together with your spouse instead of against each other. When you choose mediation, it is possible to finish your divorce in a few months. It is important to note that California requires a six-month ‘cooling-off’ period. The fastest you can be officially divorced is after that six-month period has ended. However, we can complete all your paperwork before the official date.
#3 You End Up Hating Each Other
It is no surprise that after a nasty divorce in the court system that you would end up with serious resentment towards your ex-spouse. But that doesn’t have to happen. We find that spouses that work to achieve mutually beneficial agreements end up having a newfound respect and admiration for each other that stretches beyond the divorce. This is a profound advantage of mediation if you are going to co-parent.
#4 I’ll Lose Everything
One of the biggest fears when divorcing is that you will lose everything you own or never see your children. Firstly, the court system understands the importance of keeping both parents in the child’s life and will always prefer a 50/50 custody split when it is in the child’s best interest. Of course, this can be adjusted based on the particular circumstances. When it comes to your belongings, California is a community property state, which means all the assets and debts you have acquired through the marriage are split evenly.
To learn more about the divorce process, contact the mediators at West Coast Family Mediation Center. Call (858) 736-2411 to schedule your initial consultation today!