You may already know that divorce mediation is very different from divorce litigation. Instead of going to trial, you work with a neutral third party to discuss disputed issues and pursue mutually acceptable solutions. However, you may not know whether mediation is really worth it or not. What are the benefits?
Here are the top seven reasons to consider mediating your Ohio divorce:
1. Control – Instead of leaving the outcome up to a stranger, you retain a significant amount of control over the final resolution. You get to make your own decisions about parenting time schedules, property division and other issues. After all, you know your family and finances better than any judge.
2. Understanding – As Mediate.com points out, the mediation forum gives you the chance to be heard and understood. It also provides the opportunity to learn more about your spouse’s point of view.
3. Speed – Litigation can drag on for many months, or even years. Mediation, on the other hand, tends to be a much more efficient way to resolve disputes.
4. Cost – Taking a divorce to trial is typically very expensive. If you can resolve your disagreements outside of the courtroom, you’re likely to save quite a bit of money.
5. Confidentiality – Litigation makes the details of your family life a matter of public record. However, mediation tends to be far more confidential.
6. Relaxed atmosphere – Mediation provides a much more relaxed, informal setting to discuss issues. This can lower your overall stress level and reduce conflict between you and your spouse.
7. Results – On average, people are more likely to adhere to agreements that they make voluntarily rather than those which are imposed upon them. This means that coming to a mediated agreement with your spouse makes it more likely that he or she will fulfill the terms.
Learn more about the pros and cons of divorce mediation by consulting an Ohio attorney experienced in this particular area of family law. He or she can advise you about whether mediation or litigation is more appropriate for your unique situation.
