While mediation is not for every couple, many soon-to-be ex-spouses are capable of hashing out their custody arrangements and other matters. They realize that protracted court battles do more harm than good and cause high legal bills to be run up on both sides. That’s money that instead could be invested in their separate futures apart from one another.
Are there some couples for whom mediation is just not possible? Of course. Any time there are allegations of domestic abuse, mediation is not a good option. Neither is it when highly volatile couples have too much acrimony between them to reasonably discuss important matters.
But most divorces can be “saved” by mediation, at least on some of the issues. Perhaps you agree to come together and decide matters of child custody and visitation, but remain hung up on property division. That’s okay. The fewer issues that have to come before the court, the better. You can resolve some and still reserve others for litigation.
At West Coast ADR Law Group, we believe in presenting all of the options to our clients. We have experienced mediators and litigators who can work together with you to see that you get the best deal possible when you divorce your spouse. We will never encourage our clients to run up exorbitant legal bills litigating matters they could easily resolve through a few mediation sessions.