Benefits of Divorce Mediation

Reason Number One:  Divorce Mediation Works!

The biggest benefit of divorce mediation is the undisputed fact that it usually works.  Most divorce mediation concludes with an agreement that satisfies both parties at a fraction of the cost of a litigated divorce. Litigated divorces by contrast involve attorneys, judges, courtroom appearances, exhibits, motions, time away from work and children, stress and sometimes tears.  When people involved in a divorce speak, listen, reflect, propose, and negotiate, they often agree.  Between 70% and 90% of mediated cases end in an agreement.

More Reasons to Mediate Before You Litigate Your Divorce

  1. Mediation is confidential. Only the agreement is filed in court.  The parties control the information that is included in the agreement.
  2. Mediation is inexpensive. The cost of one mediator is shared.  Some mediation is free.  The cost of a mediated divorce is generally believed to be less than 10% of the cost of a litigated divorce.
  3. Mediation is fast. Many issues can be resolved in a single appointment.
  4. Mediation can be scheduled at times convenient to the parties.  Often mediation sessions are held in the evenings or on weekends.
  5. Mediation can begin before the parties divorce or separate.  There is no need to wait for the completion of a six or twelve month separation period.
  6. Mediation can happen at any location convenient to the parties, as long as the location is private – around the kitchen table, in a church classroom, or in a private room at the local library.
  7. Mediation can occur without an attorney. While the advice of an attorney is recommended before signing any agreement, an attorney is not required to mediate.
  8. Mediation can preserve relationships. Arguing in court can destroy relationships.
  9. Mediation allows the parties, rather than a judge, to be in charge of what happens. Parties tend to be happier with an agreement they come up with themselves.
  10. The mediator is a “neutral third-party” who can help parties communicate better than they can on their own.
  11. Mediation looks forward rather than backward. It doesn’t assign blame or punish.  It just helps the parties figure out what will work for them in the future.
  12. The mediator writes up an agreement that reflects what the parties want to see happen. That agreement can be filed in court.
  13. If mediation fails, it may still narrow the issues that need to be litigated, producing an agreement for many of the issues, and saving money in the long run.