While the divorce rate is lower than it was a few decades ago, it still sits at around 39%.
If you and your spouse can’t make things work, it may be time to think about splitting up.
However, a divorce doesn’t have to be an ugly, bitter, and frustrating process. In fact, with the help of divorce mediation, it can be quite easy.
Here are five of the biggest benefits of divorce mediation.
1. Speed
A divorce can be a long, messy, drawn-out process. In some cases, contested divorces can become a multi-year ordeal.
That leads to a lot of stress on yourself and your family.
Hiring a mediator expedites the process by finding common ground and aiming to complete the divorce as quickly as possible.
2. Affordability
A divorce can put a serious strain on your wallet as well as your heart. The average divorce costs each party $15,000.
By looking into divorce mediation, you can cut out the middle man and get rid of the expensive lawyers.
Mediators cost considerably less than divorce lawyers, especially if your divorce needs to go to court.
3. It’s Easier for Your Children
Divorce is tough for everyone involved. But often, children are the ones who end up hurt the most.
No matter what went down between you and your spouse, you both love your children and want what’s best for them.
In this case, that means separating in a clean, amicable manner so they can move on and start the healing process.
It’s understandable to upset with your spouse. But remember that there are other people involved. People who you love and want to protect.
4. Fairness
Strangely, deciding to divorce is the easiest part of the process. The difficulty comes when both parties must sit down to establish, among other things:
- Who, if anyone, is at fault.
- Who gets what in the divorce.
- Who gets primary custody of the children.
- Whether alimony is required.
- How divorce will affect legal documents such as wills, trusts, etc.
With so much on the line, both parties need to feel as though they’re getting what they deserve.
Mediators are trained to help couples talk through these difficult topics so that both parties walk away from the mediation table happy.
5. Mediation Can Save Your Future Friendship
You and your spouse may not be the best partners. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have healthy mutual respect in the future.
Maintaining a cordial relationship with your spouse makes the divorce proceedings easier. But that’s not the most important consideration, as it can benefit your children, as well.
If you have kids, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll run into your ex at some point. Wouldn’t it be nice if your children didn’t have to dread the thought?
The Benefits of Divorce Mediation
Nobody wants to get a divorce. But if it has to happen, it’s important to make the process as easy, quick, and fair as possible — all of which are benefits of divorce mediation.
Divorce mediation gives both parties the assurance that their thoughts and feelings are under consideration. It’s more civil, it’s better for the kids, and it can even lead to friendship down the road.
For more life advice, be sure to check out our lifestyle blog!