Divorcing couples in Alabama often seek mediation to resolve difficult issues and create a divorce agreement.
Mediation has many advantages and can save you and your spouse time and money during your divorce. However, mediation is not an appropriate choice for every couple.
What are the benefits of mediation?
First, many couples choose mediation when divorcing because it tends to be more affordable and less time-consuming. Divorce is an expensive process, and it is common for people to struggle financially after divorcing. Furthermore, creating your divorce agreement through mediation allows you and your spouse to customize and influence the outcome. Finally, seeking mediation can assist both of you as you explore tricky issues like property separation and child support. For this reason, couples who seek mediation are more likely to have a polite and respectful relationship after the divorce.
Who should use mediation?
If you and your spouse both want to divorce and you have an amicable relationship, mediation could be a good option. Talking with a mediator can help both of you express your concerns and find areas of agreement. This is especially true if you are a parent. You and your spouse can create co-parenting plans together that suit your family’s distinct needs.
On the other hand, if there is significant strife, anger or reluctance to divorce, mediation might not be appropriate. A resentful or frustrated spouse could use the mediation process to harm the divorce proceedings. In cases involving domestic violence or substance abuse, litigation could be a better choice.
In many cases, mediation can be an accessible and beneficial path for divorcing couples.