Alternatives to divorce offer privacy and other benefits

Ending a marriage is a stressful endeavor. A traditional divorce played out in court adds additional layers of stress and anxiety.

Mediation and collaborative divorce are options for ending a marriage that put some of the control back into your hands. With a focus on finding mutually agreeable solutions through peaceful interactions, these confidential options are worth considering when facing divorce.

Mediation

In mediation, both parties meet with a trained mediator to work through all aspects of the divorce. Both parties must agree to the final decisions for mediation to be successful. Because there are no courts involved, all decisions are specific to the needs of you and your family. Having control and input into the divorce gives all parties a sense of control and makes it more likely that they will comply with decisions.

Collaborative divorce

In collaborative divorce, each party chooses an attorney who agrees to work as part of a collaborative team. Together, the parties choose a neutral financial professional and any other professionals needed for their situation. The entire team works together to work through all issues without the need for a courtroom.

Benefits to these alternatives

Both of these alternative options are less expensive than traditional divorce litigation. While there is no standard time frame for either of these options, without needing to fit the schedule of a court, these options may not drag out as long as traditional divorce. Traditional divorce litigation in court is a public process and becomes public record. Mediation and collaborative divorce are private, confidential options that keep your business out of the public eye.

If your goal is an amicable separation, consider these alternatives first. If mediation or collaborative divorce prove unsuccessful, traditional divorce through litigation in the courts remains an option.