Mediation may make divorce more affordable

Recent statistics indicate that the divorce rate has dropped slightly in recent years, which is unusual. Generally, during economic downturns and other stressful times the divorce rate increases as financial difficulties place intense pressure on married couples. But this has not been the case during the most recent recession, and family law experts believe that there is one simple explanation: couples can no longer afford to get divorced.

It goes without saying that a divorce is expensive. In addition to ever-increasing court costs and legal fees, couples must also find the funds to divide their single households into two, which many simply cannot afford. But there are ways to make the actual act of divorcing less expensive: by utilizing mediation or another method of alternative dispute resolution.

Mediation is a process in which both spouses and a trained family law mediator meet and discuss the details of the divorce; i.e. child custody, child support, property division, spousal support, and anything else that may come up along the way. Mediation allows spouses to work out the details of their divorce, instead of leaving those essential decisions up to a family court judge. This can save both time and money, and make the process much more amicable.

That increased level of cooperation can significantly minimize the bitterness and anger divorcing spouses feel toward one another. Especially those who have children together, divorced couples generally have to stay in one another’s lives for many years, it is much easier to interact and co-parent without the memories of a bitter, angry divorce.

While mediation is a good option for many, it may not be the right choice for you and your family. You should contact an experienced Las Vegas family law attorney to discuss your options.

Source: The Huffington Post, “In Today’s Uncertain Financial Times, Mediated Divorce Makes More Sense Than Ever,” Bari Zell Weinberger, Esq., Nov. 29, 2011