When a couple decides to end their marriage, they're often dealing with one of the most upsetting times in their lives. The prospect of fighting over child custody or dividing assets only adds to the trauma, and it can affect the spouses' productivity, quality of sleep, stress levels, and even their weight and their sanity.
That is why the alternative – divorce mediation, is gaining in popularity. It's a faster, less stressful, cheaper alternative to a contested divorce. It's not about who's at fault, or who's right and who's wrong, it's about two spouses taking control of a bad situation and talking their way through it, perhaps for the first time in years.
When the Fear of a Divorce Battle Looms
No matter how a marriage ended or why, the thought of a divorce battle terrifies most people, especially if they have children or a family business. When you're getting a divorce, you have a lot at stake, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. So, why would you want things to be any harder than they have to be?
Mediation doesn't take a "cookie cutter" approach because each family's situation is different. Mediators help couples navigate divorce by exploring creative solutions. The aim is to help couples reach their own solutions, as opposed to imposing strict requirements, which is what the court system does.
We've watched as the litigated divorce process has complicated matters for spouses who are already going through a difficult time. In contrast, mediated divorces focus on resolving differences amicably.
With the recent "divorce selfies" that have gone viral, more couples are realizing that it is possible to achieve a "good divorce." Consequently, divorce attorneys and mediators across the country have seen an uptick in mediation.
When couples enter divorce with the mindset that they're going to have a more respectful, less expensive divorce, it alleviates a great deal of stress on all parties involved, including the children.
Mediation can address anything divorce-related, such as:
- Asset and debt division
- Child custody and visitation
- Uninsured medical expenses
- Life insurance
- Who pays for college education
- Anything the parties may initially disagree on
At the heart, mediation is about maintaining control; it's a "win-win" way to end your marriage. The ultimate goal is to get the parties to reach an agreement.
Judges don't want to make these decisions; judges will often say that they'll decide on a matter, but at the end of the day couples are in the best position to know what's in their best interests and their children's best interests. Because, couples know more about their lives than any judge could ever know.
Considering divorce mediation? Contact Cutter & Lax to work with a board certified family law specialist! Our Encino divorce lawyers are ready to serve you.
