Everyone has heard horror stories about bitter divorce battles that drag on for years and leave both spouses in financial and emotional ruin. You do not have to end your marriage that way, though.
While not everyone is a good candidate for it, divorce mediation allows you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse to work collaboratively to find optimal solutions for divorce-related issues. Here are three signs divorce mediation may be right for you.
1. You want to retain some control
With divorce mediation, the end of your marriage does not play out in open court. Rather, a qualified divorce mediator helps you find the best possible solutions. If you and your spouse cannot reach consensus on a few matters, a judge may address only those while deferring to the agreements you made during mediation.
2. You want to save some money
The cost of divorce depends on a variety of factors, but mediation is usually a cost-effective alternative to a lengthy court battle. If you opt for mediation, you can use any money you save to start your post-divorce life.
3. You want to limit emotional trauma
Divorces are usually sensitive matters, but yours does not have to leave you, your spouse or your children with long-term emotional trauma. After recognizing your marriage is coming to an end, mediation allows you to set emotions aside and work toward a common objective.
If emotions are raw for anyone in your family, mediation may not be entirely off the table. Seeking counseling or therapy before beginning divorce mediation, though, may boost your chances of having a successful one.