Could mediation be the right approach for your divorce?

When you decide to move forward with divorce, you may not be certain that you want to go through a stressful, contentious battle with your spouse in a Colorado family courtroom. Fortunately, the divorce process can be much easier than that, and you may not even have to go to court at all. When you resolve your disputes out of court, you can save yourself the time, money and hassle associated with traditional divorce litigation.

Mediation is a process by which couples can resolve their divorce disputes in a peaceful, mutually respectful process. Through this form of alternate dispute resolution, couples may be able address their specific concerns and work together for a mutually beneficial resolution. If the thought of going to court overwhelms you, you may want to think about the benefits of mediation and how it could work for your situation. 

What happens in mediation?

In mediation, both parties will meet with a neutral third-party who will help you and your spouse work through your divorce-related disputes. The mediator asks questions, offers suggestions and encourages both conversation and negotiation. You can expect the following things from the mediation process: 

• The first time you meet, the mediator will go over the issues that the parties need to discuss and the right order to approach them. You, your spouse and the mediator will also review what documents you will need as you discuss certain things.
• In the following meetings, the mediator will help you and your spouse work through your specific disputes in the appropriate order.
• Once there is a resolution for all divorce disputes, the mediator will draft the final agreement, which you will have the opportunity to review before signing.

One of the most significant benefits to mediation is that it saves time. It is often quicker to work through the mediation process than litigation, and in addition to this, it often costs less as well. Mediation also allows you to have a more direct role in the outcome of your divorce and the terms of your final order.

The best future for you

You will find it beneficial to work with an attorney who can help you fight for your best post-divorce future, whether that’s through mediation or another approach. A complete assessment of your case can help you understand how to move forward with the most appropriate choice for your unique situation and needs.