Mediation was once a very niche option for those with legal disputes, but it has become a mainstream conflict resolution option in recent years. Many families in Virginia use divorce mediation to settle disagreements.
What are some of the benefits that motivate people to try mediation?
They have more control over the outcome
In a litigated divorce, you turn everything over to the judge presiding over your case. Their personal biases could influence how much time you have with your children or how much property you receive from the marital estate.
If you mediate your major property division and custody matters with your ex, the two of you will sign an agreement that will lead to an uncontested filing. You are the ones with the final say in what happens to your assets and with your children.
They want to protect their privacy
Divorce can be a lot like airing your dirty laundry in public. You have to talk about financial behaviors and adultery in front of a judge and possibly many other people. You can talk about those issues as necessary in mediation with the knowledge that what you say remains confidential under state law.
They want to keep their costs low
Divorce can cost thousands of dollars, and the more you fight about it in court, the more you pay for the end of your marriage. Uncontested divorces can be far more affordable than litigated divorces even after factoring in the expense of hiring a mediator.
Exploring all of your options for ending your marriage can help you achieve your top priorities while minimizing your losses.