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Could divorce mediation reduce duration and costs?

by | Mar 26, 2016 | Divorce, Firm News |

In today’s financial climate, most people are keen to cut down on expenses. While it can be tempting to cut corners when it comes to divorce costs, this can sometimes turn out to be a false savings. One method that may help California residents to reach an agreement on settlement more quickly with his or her spouse is divorce mediation.

On the face of it, the division of marital assets may seem straightforward — indeed, where there are no children involved, and relatively few assets of significant value, this may be the case. For many people, however, there are likely to be some things that involve a little more effort. Anything that involves paperwork, such as insurance policies and stock shares, will require examination to establish whether it is community or personal property. Understandably, this can create additional tension or arguments between spouses.

In particular, couples with children may find mediation to be a helpful tool. It can help them to learn how to work together in a new way, allowing them to co-parent their children without animosity. A mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates discussion, which may provide a calmer atmosphere when negotiating custody or visitation. In addition, it may also make it easier to discuss other potentially difficult subjects, such as debts or specific items of property that one wishes to retain.

Divorce mediation may not be suitable for everyone — for example, where there are concerns for one’s safety in respect of a violent spouse, it is unlikely to be appropriate. However, for many California couples it may be of some benefit in smoothing the way, reducing time spent in court and reaching a satisfactory conclusion in a more timely manner. Seeking the advice that is appropriate to one’s own circumstances is the best way to move forward into a positive future.

Source: fox6now.com, “Getting a divorce? Why one family court judge advocates mediation“, Beverly Taylor, Mar. 23, 2016

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