There is no way around the reality that divorce is challenging, even when it is amicable. Disentangling financial resources and responsibilities, dividing assets and making decisions about parenting time if children are involved each carry a heavy weight. But there are ways to make the process less emotionally tumultuous. Settling a divorce outside court is one of them.
It’s important to know, that you have options
When starting the divorce process, it may feel like facing off in a courtroom is inevitable. But using dispute resolution methods and negotiation has become increasingly common as couples work to settle without court intervention. This is a trend that makes a lot of sense because there are many benefits to avoiding trial, including:
- Saving money on lawyer fees
- Reducing the time it takes to finalize your divorce
- Retaining more control over the terms of your decree
- Privacy – remember court records are public, but the terms of a divorce settled privately are not
Generally, couples tend to feel more satisfied with the outcome of their divorce agreement if they settle outside of court because they have greater control over the final result.
Making decisions together can make a big difference
Whether you choose to use a mediator, work out the details of your agreement through arbitration or work through the collaborative divorce process, you can take control of your divorce and avoid going to trial if both parties choose to work together. While you will certainly still face challenges during the process, you might be surprised by how you and your spouse are able to come to agreeable terms if you both come into the process with an open mind.