There will no doubt be California married couples among others throughout the country who decide to sever their marital ties before 2019 ends. Many spouses, especially those who are parents, may want to resolve necessary issues as swiftly and painlessly as possible so they can leave the past behind and move on in life. In certain situations, divorce mediation may be a viable option.
The previous statement mentioned “certain situations” because mediation is definitely not the best choice for every couple. Those who have trouble peacefully discussing important divorce-related issues may be better off using litigation to settle their disputes and finalize a divorce. The entire mediation process centers on an agreement to avoid confrontation and to work toward a fair and agreeable settlement in an amicable fashion.
It is typically less expensive to mediate a divorce. It is also less time-consuming than litigation. It’s the spouses themselves who create a settlement agreement, after which they submit it to the court for approval. It is an excellent alternative for spouses who are willing to compromise and cooperate to achieve a common goal.
Divorce mediation may be a couple’s choice or may be ordered by a judge in a family law court. In some cases, a spouse may have legitimate cause to object to mediation, such as if he or she can show evidence of domestic violence. Any California spouse with questions regarding the rules of the mediation process, as well as how to convert a mediated divorce to litigation if necessary, can request a meeting with an experienced attorney who is well-versed in such issues.