If you are a Tennessee resident facing divorce, you may have resigned yourself to the rules that lead to stressful, expensive and lengthy litigation in this state.
However, if you and your spouse seek more control over the divorce process, mediation is an option you may want to pursue.
Traditional divorce
Litigation is not only expensive and time-consuming it often leads to bitterness following several rounds of arguments on various subjects. Many people dread litigation because of the public aspect, especially high-profile and high-net-worth divorcing couples. Ultimately, neither party will get everything he or she wants in the divorce and the fact that a judge makes the final decisions only exacerbates the frustration.
Mediation alternative
Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution that occurs outside of court without the presence of a judge. The divorcing couple works together to create a divorce agreement that will satisfy them both. They meet with a neutral third party, the mediator, who will provide access to legal information and guide the couple in resolving any conflicts that arise during the process.
Control factor
As a non-adversarial approach, mediation allows participants to take control of their own divorce, putting most couples at ease from the outset. Studies have shown that it is not only a less stressful option for the adults but also for their children. Learning how to communicate effectively in order to achieve common goals becomes a skill that will carry into the post-divorce world. If you and your soon-to-be-ex choose mediation, you may find that this form of ADR helps to form the foundation for your family relationships going forward.