Determining if mediation is the right choice for a divorce

Movies and television shows would have viewers believe that the end of a marriage has to be filled with anger, bitterness and accusations thrown out in front of a judge. While there is no doubt that there can be negative feelings associated with a divorce, there are also couples in California who want the transition to their next stage of life to be as peaceful as possible. Though it is not the best option for everyone, many couples in California are choosing mediation to achieve this.

Mediation involves the couple meeting with a neutral third party; each spouse has the option of having an attorney present. In this system, the mediator guides the couple to reach a resolution rather than issuing an order or providing legal advice. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator creates a memorandum of understanding. Often, it is beneficial to have an attorney guide them through the process of creating a formal agreement.

This process is customizable to the individual couple. If often allows couples to divorce faster while costing less money. Additionally, the direct negotiation aspect of the process allows the couple privacy, and the results are ultimately confidential. However, both couples must be committed to honesty and compromise for the process to be successful.

The end of a marriage is a time of great transition for families. If there are children involved, the couple must continue to interact with one another. Often, divorce proceedings can set the tone for the future relationship for two parents who must work together to ensure their children’s well-being. Alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation often allows California couples to maintain a civil relationship, making their future relationship easier, while also saving them time and money.