There is nothing fun about the divorce process. This is particularly true once you find out how much it costs.
It is important to be comfortable with every step of your divorce, including the price tag. This is why most couples consider all their options, which includes both litigation and mediation.
With litigation, you and your former partner will face off in court. This does not mean you are necessarily fighting, but it does mean that you will spend time in front of a judge. For this reason, the process can be costly.
The cost of mediation is less than litigation. This is one of the primary reasons why it is growing in popularity. This has a focus on cooperation and efficiency. If you and your former spouse are able to work together to settle your differences, both parties will save quite a bit of money.
With mediation, both parties are encouraged to work with one another to find a solution that is mutually beneficial. This doesn’t mean that you won’t consult with an attorney. What it does mean, however, is that you will not spend time in court.
There are many reasons to avoid divorce, such as the cost, but sometimes, this is not possible. If you want to move forward without breaking the bank, it is time to consider the benefits associated with mediation.
There are times when litigation is the only way to settle a divorce. There are also times when you can use mediation to your advantage, ending up in the same place without spending excess money.
Source: Mediation Matters, “Divorce Mediation,” accessed Dec. 08, 2015
