Your divorce doesn’t have to get ugly
Jan 23 2017 - Posted by On Behalf of the Lincoln Law Firm, PPLC, in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Tagged in Alternative Dispute Resolution
If you are getting divorced or thinking about filing for divorce, you may think that you need to start arming yourself for battle. After all, most divorces we read about in the news or on social media seem to depict a painful, expensive and combative process.
However, the truth is that you don’t have to go through contentious courtroom conflicts. With alternative dispute resolution methods like collaborative divorce and mediation, you can minimize the bitterness and conflict of divorce. So how do you know if these are good options for you?
Mediation or collaboration could be good options for you if:
- You and your soon-to-be ex are committed to an amicable split
- You prefer a less formal process that gives you and your ex more control over the outcome
- You are both able to discuss matters without blowing up in anger
- There is no history of violence or abuse
- You understand — and may prefer — that you won’t see the inside of a courtroom much or at all
- You are on the same page (or at least on the same chapter) when it comes to child custody
- You both agree to be truthful and open when discussing property division
- You do not have overly sophisticated or complex assets to divide
If you find that you fit all or many of these bullets, alternative dispute resolution efforts could work particularly well for your situation. It should be noted here that these options are typically faster and less expensive than courtroom proceedings, and most people will need to work out at least some aspects of their divorce together anyway.
You don’t have to love or even like each other to pursue mediation or collaborative divorce; but you will need to work together and be in the same room. And even though these can be a less-combative ways to divorce, it is still a difficult and emotional process. Because of this, it is wise to have by your side an attorney who can provide guidance, support and legal knowledge no matter which direction your divorce takes.
