Divorce can be an extremely stressful experience even when both spouses remain civil and put their kids’ best interests ahead of their own. When they agree to settle disagreements using mediation, they can save money, time and reduce anxiety.
But despite the immediate benefits during the process, a successfully mediated divorce lays a foundation for many positive effects for years to come. It’s essential to weigh the incentives for choosing cooperation instead of litigation.
Four long-term benefits of successful mediation
Many benefits are available when working with an attorney who is both an experienced mediator or provides individual representation to one party. By understanding all aspects of mediation, they know the rewards the process creates, including:
- Better communication: Spouses learn a “new normal” to discuss any issues that arise and work towards a solution together.
- Improved outcomes for children: Divorce is difficult for kids, but seeing their parents being respectful to each other and finding solutions together helps them move on with their lives in a positive way.
- Cooperative commitment: Successfully navigating the divorce process by working together instills confidence for both parties to also deal with parenting or any other issues that develop later.
- Privacy shield: Mediation is a private process, while court records detailing litigation are public documents. Working out differences together keeps the reasons for your divorce between you and your former partner and away from prying eyes.
Save time, money and stress
Relying on a judge to determine custody and property distribution disputes can take more than a year, costing anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000, according to national estimates, and setting a hostile tone for a future parenting relationship.
Mediation can cost as little as a few thousand dollars, be completed in a few months and launch a positive parenting relationship in motion. For divorcing couples who can put aside negative feelings, it often leads to a healthier and brighter start for them and their children’s future.
