Why It Pays To Settle Your Divorce Outside Of The Court

Despite all your efforts to end the fighting in your marriage, these efforts are not working. You’ve tried very hard to find the best solution, but it seems that while divorce might be the best decision, somehow, with all the horror stories, it also seems like it could be the worst.

If you are serious about getting a divorce, you might be asking yourself:

• Where do I start?
• What are my divorce options?
• How much will it cost me?
• How long will it take?

The answers to these questions are completely dependent upon which process you choose to go through your divorce.  Without a doubt, litigation is the most lengthy, expensive process; both financially and emotionally, for a whole host of reasons. It is indeed true that getting a divorce is emotionally and financially painful. However, it is possible to minimize the pain both emotionally and financially by choosing to resolve the matter outside of a courtroom and outside of the judicial process.

Although approximately 95% of litigated divorce cases settle either before a trial date or on the courthouse steps at the eleventh hour, the road to that settlement is usually needlessly acrimonious, unnecessarily lengthy and financially wasteful.The good news is, couples can opt  for a more time efficient and cost effective experience by choosing to pursue a private alternative divorce resolution through either mediation or Collaborative divorce. If the thought of a “regular” divorce frightens and overwhelms you, below are some reasons to opt into an alternative divorce process.

Where do I Start ?

A sound decision starts with doing your homework.  Interview a litigator, a mediator and a Collaborative attorney.  Do some research before your appointment so that you have a working knowledge of each approach and can ask pointed questions that pertain to you and your family.

What Are My Options?

You have several options. Litigation is an inefficient process where you are subject to arbitrary rules and time frames that result in countless wasted billable hours.  Adjournments and unproductive conferences impede progress and drain family finances.

The alternative approaches of mediation and Collaborative divorce utilize agenda driven, highly productive meetings to create action items for both spouses that serve to keep the process moving along towards a speedy resolution. Unlike, in a litgated case, you and your spouse get to determine the pace of your divorce.

How Much Will it Cost?

Mediation is the most cost -effective way to resolve your divorce. Collaborative divorce costs, on average, one third of what it costs to obtain a litigated divorce. Both of these processes leave more money in your family’s pocket where it belongs.

How Long Will it Take?

The average litigated divorce takes about twelve to eighteen months to complete.  The same case in the mediation or collaborative process can often resolve in less than six months.  The faster you resolve the issues in your divorce the faster you can begin to heal and get on with your life.

A divorce is never something you plan on when getting married but when it occurs it is always in your best interest to do so as amicably as possible.