Can Divorce Mediation Help Me File an Uncontested Divorce?
In the movies and on television, divorce is usually portrayed as a contentious battle between spouses. It really doesn’t have to be. Couples who can communicate and cooperate can enjoy the benefits of divorce mediation. Mediation offers couples a less stressful and more cost-effective approach to ending the marriage. Such an approach is particularly useful for those who want an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is when both parties agree on all the major issues. In this article, the Philadelphia divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane will discuss how divorce mediation can help spouses toward an uncontested divorce.
What is divorce mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary process entered into by a couple where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps the couple negotiate the terms of their divorce. Unlike litigation, no one is making decisions for the couple except the couple. Instead, the mediator helps facilitate the conversation, establish neutral ground, and hopefully hammer out an agreement that covers all the bases.
Key issues to be resolved in mediation include:
- The division of assets and debts
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Child custody and visitation schedules
- Child support
- Division of retirement accounts
- Disposition of the marital home
What are the benefits of mediation for an uncontested divorce?
Given the opportunity, most couples want to avoid litigation. It is often costly, time-consuming, and lends itself to bad feelings. Couples who successfully resolve their divorce in mediation can expect to experience the following benefits:
- Reduced conflict – The goal of mediation is to foster a cooperative environment, helping the couple maintain an amicable relationship. This is especially important when children are involved.
- It’s cost-effective – Mediation costs considerably less than litigation because the couple generally hires one mediator as opposed to each hiring a separate attorney.
- It takes less time – Mediation generally results in faster resolutions than litigated court proceedings. This allows couples to move forward with their lives sooner and finalize their divorce faster.
- It’s confidential – Any decision made in mediation remains confidential, unlike court proceedings which are a matter of public record. Mediation sessions are private, allowing the couple to present a divorce decree to the court that does not make their personal matters a matter of public record.
- It offers personally tailored solutions – Couples have considerably more control over the outcome of a mediated divorce than they would with a judge making all the decisions on their behalf. This opens up the process of crafting solutions that work best for the couple’s unique situation.
Talk to a Philadelphia, PA Divorce Mediation Attorney Today
The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane represent the interests of Philadelphia residents who are looking to mediate their divorce. Mediation offers several benefits over traditional litigation and can help the couple file for an uncontested divorce. Call our Philadelphia family lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin discussing your next steps right away.
