No two marriages are the same, and so it only follows that no two divorces will be the same either. You can, however, choose how to manage your divorce with an alternative to reduce the time and acrimony it may take to resolve your divorce. Mediation is a commonplace alternative — and a welcomed one in these pandemic times. It can occur in person and, with the benefit of technology, via teleconferencing. Mediation can involve you and your spouse, or if attorneys are involved, with the attorneys. Oftentimes, when attorneys are involved, mediation can assist in breaking down the barriers and resolving impasses quicker and more efficiently than waiting for a court date.
Particularly in today’s pandemic times, mediation is an important alternative to litigating a divorce, given the backlog of cases and the extended time it is taking to get into court. In divorce mediation, a divorcing couple works with a neutral mediator who helps both parties come to an agreement on all aspects of their divorce.
The immediate benefits of mediation:
A mediated divorce may result in a better long-term relationship with your spouse. Working with a mediator, you and your spouse will come to realize that you can discuss and resolve differences today and in the future.
Your children will see you and your spouse working together amicably, rather than litigiously.
You will come to an agreement sooner than it takes to litigate in court.
The overall cost of mediation is far less than litigation.
You and your spouse will be in control of your divorce because you are making the decisions (and the court is not).
Mediation allows for more discretion. Mediation is private; litigated divorce is public.
By its very nature, litigation is an adversary process that promotes a climate of tension and acrimony. Mediation, on the other hand, promotes a climate of cooperation. The mediators are continuously keeping in mind the emotional, psychological, and financial interests of the children. Since parents will remain parents after a divorce, it is in the best interest of the children for them to learn how to negotiate for the future.
Mediation, like anything else, is a process. Do not anticipate that all your issues will be resolved immediately. Mediators will inform you of such; however, recognize that at each stage, as mediation progresses, you are moving forward to reaching your own decisions and outcomes based upon your and your former spouse’s contemplated decisions — not that of a judicial officer.
If you and your spouse are in the midst of a litigated divorce and you are at an impasse, suggest to your attorneys the option of seeking to mediate the issue(s). Often, with a mediator involved, issues can be resolved expeditiously, particularly when time-sensitive issues are involved.
For more information and to schedule your consultation, please call The Law Offices of Steven B. Chroman, P.C., at (661) 255-1800 or visit us at www.chromanlaw.com.
Mr. Chroman is a Trusted Advisor Award Winner and named Top 100 California Attorney with over 24 years of experience and local service and a 2021 Super Lawyer. You can purchase Mr. Chroman’s best-selling Divorce Workbook at www.amazon.com/Preparing-Divorce--considering-separation.
This article was originally published in Santa Clarita Magazine as part of our firm’s mission to make family law information more accessible to the Santa Clarita community. Read the full feature and others at santaclaritamagazine.com.