Divorce is often difficult but it doesn't have to be financially devastating or emotionally exhausting.
If you're considering ending your marriage, you may be wondering how to do it with as little conflict, cost, and court involvement as possible especially during these tough financial times.
That’s where divorce mediation can offer a smart, peaceful alternative to traditional divorce litigation.
As a medically trained divorce attorney and mediator for over 35 years, I encourage couples to embrace mediation whenever possible.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between litigation and mediation, and why mediation is often the better choice for couples who want to save money, reduce stress, and move forward more amicably.
Divorce Litigation: The Traditional (and Often Costly) Route
Litigation is what most people think of when they imagine a divorce: two spouses, each represented by attorneys, battling it out in court. While sometimes necessary, litigation is often adversarial and expensive.
Here’s what divorce litigation typically involves:
- Court Hearings and Legal Filings: The process is formal and follows strict legal procedures.
- Attorney Representation: Each spouse hires an attorney,
- Discovery Process: Gathering financial records, testimonies, and evidence can be time-consuming and costly.
- Lengthy Timelines: Court schedules, delays, and multiple hearings can drag the process out for many months or even years.
- Public Proceedings: Court records are generally public, meaning your personal life may become part of the public record.
- Judicial Decisions: A judge makes the final decisions about child custody, asset division, and support, sometimes with limited insight into the nuances of your family.
Divorce Mediation: A Peaceful, Affordable Alternative
Mediation offers a more cooperative, private, and cost-effective way to divorce. It involves both spouses working with a neutral third party, a trained mediator, like myself, to help negotiate and reach mutual agreements outside of court.
Here’s how mediation works:
- Neutral Facilitator: The mediator helps guide conversations, clarify goals, and resolve conflicts.
- Private and Confidential: All sessions are held in a private setting, and discussions remain confidential.
- Lower Cost: Mediation typically costs much less and the total is shared between both spouses.
- Faster Resolutions: Many mediated divorces are completed in a few weeks to months, compared to years in litigation.
- More Control: You and your spouse make the decisions together, rather than leaving them to a judge.
- Preserves Relationships: Especially important if children are involved, mediation fosters cooperation and communication.
When Is Mediation a Good Fit?
Mediation works best when:
- Both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith.
- There’s a desire to maintain a respectful relationship.
- You want to save time, money, and emotional energy.
As a medically trained divorce attorney and mediator, I often encourage spouses to choose peace over courtroom battles.
Even if you don’t agree on everything, as a skilled mediator my role is to help you work through disagreements and find practical, fair solutions.
Divorce is a major life transition, but it doesn’t have to destroy your finances or your well-being. If you're thinking about divorce and want to stay out of court, save money, and move forward with dignity, mediation is a powerful option worth exploring.
Call now to schedule your free consultation. Let me help you divorce amicably while helping you save money during these challenging financial times.
Call 212.734.1551 so we can schedule your free consultation right now!
Warm regards,
Lois