As you compare divorce mediation to traditional litigation, it’s critical to make a list of the pros and cons associated with each process. With these details in front of you, it’s easier to understand what you’re up against and how to best proceed with your divorce in Ohio.
Many divorcing couples immediately write off mediation, as they aren’t comfortable with the idea of personally working through their issues. While this is a common concern, you should still take the time to learn more about the many advantages of divorce mediation. These include but are not limited to:
- More power over the process: When you square off in court, you lose a lot of your power. Your voice doesn’t mean nearly as much. Instead, the judge has the right to make decisions as they relate to your divorce. With mediation, both you and the other individual work together to negotiate and compromise.
- Less expensive: This isn’t always the case, but divorce mediation is typically less expensive than litigation.
- More time-efficient: Again, this doesn’t always hold true, but most divorcing couples find that mediation is more time-efficient than litigation. When both individuals are willing to negotiate and compromise, it’s much easier to move through the process in a timely manner.
- Minimize hostility: The last thing you want is to increase tension, as this can take a toll on your mental and physical health and well-being. Also, if you have children together, increased hostility is never a good thing. When you reduce hostility during the divorce process, it’s easier to carry this over into the future (such as when co-parenting).
- The help of a mediator: Unlike a judge, a divorce mediator does not have the power to make final decisions. However, this person is trained in keeping the peace and helping move the process forward from start to finish.
Along with the above, you still have the opportunity to work closely with a family law attorney during divorce mediation. This ensures that you understand what you’re agreeing to, what’s in your best interest and how to protect your legal rights.
Our website and blog cover all areas of family law, including divorce mediation, so don’t hesitate to search for additional advice and guidance.
