When you think about getting a divorce, you probably envision spending a lot of time in a Michigan court, constantly battling your spouse. Just the thought of everything required to end a marriage traditionally is enough to make people reconsider, at least for a while.
Delaying a divorce because it is hard will only worsen the situation in most scenarios. Finding an alternative to traditional litigation can help you overcome many of the psychological hardships of a courtroom divorce. Mediation is one such way to end your marriage without appearing before a judge.
How can mediation make your divorce easier?
Not having to endure courtroom procedures is one of the most popular reasons Grand Rapids couples try mediation. The mediation process brings you and your spouse together to work through your conflict in a less formal environment.
A neutral third party oversees the process, guiding you and your spouse towards resolving the most challenging aspects of divorce. Some additional advantages of a mediated divorce include:
- Lower divorce costs
- Faster resolution
- Reduced stress (even for children)
- Divorce settlement flexibility
- Reduced spousal conflict
- Privacy and confidentiality
While divorce mediation is highly effective for most couples, it may not work in every situation. For example, in marriages where one spouse is a bully or does not allow the other spouse to express themselves, mediation might not be the ideal solution.
Some legal professionals also worry that mediators lack enough training and experience to help couples resolve complicated financial matters. One way to overcome this potential disadvantage is to find a certified mediator with a legal background (an attorney, for example).
Expanding your knowledge and understanding of divorce mediation can also help you make the best decision about how to proceed with your divorce.