When a California couple decides to end their marriage, it is typically a stressful and emotionally upsetting experience. No two relationships are exactly the same, and neither are any two divorces. However, many people want to make the process as painless as possible, with a minimum of acrimony, especially if there are children involved. Divorce mediation is often the best option.
There are many potential benefits to mediating a divorce. One of them is that it allows a concerned spouse to retain control in the decision-making process. If litigation occurs, the judge is the one who makes the decisions.
People who have opted for mediation over litigation often say they chose that course of action to save time and money. Litigation can be expensive, and mediation is known for being a less expensive alternative. Also, if spouses are able to amicably discuss the issues that are most important to them, they can streamline their entire divorce process and achieve a reasonable and binding settlement without having to go to court.
Divorce mediation allows California spouses to formulate their own solutions and to resolve conflict in a confidential, peaceful setting. Spouses agree ahead of time to try to work together to devise a child custody, child support and property division plan. An attorney who has helped others mediate divorce can answer questions about state laws or other general topics. If mediation does not work out the way a concerned spouse had hoped it would, a case can later be converted to litigation as needed.