Collaborative Divorce vs. Mediation: What You Should Know
Collaborative divorce and mediation are two alternative divorce methods that allow you to get through the divorce process on your own terms. But what are the differences between these two divorce methods?
Here’s a quick look at what you should know.
Divorce mediation involves sitting in a session with a dedicated, third-party divorce mediator who will help to facilitate the negotiations between you and your spouse. The mediator’s job is not to offer solutions--they’re simply there to act as a peacemaker and to ensure conversations are happening productively and respectfully.
Mediators are skilled in negotiation and are capable of helping you break down the barriers to communication. Ultimately their services help couples resolve the issues of their own divorces so they can avoid going to court, which costs a lot more money and time.
Collaborative divorce features a bit heavier involvement from divorce attorneys. While parties in a mediation can have legal representation to guide them, those attorneys take a more hands-on role in collaborative divorce to help negotiate the terms of the divorce. Meetings generally take place in a law office rather than at a mediator’s office.
Both parties still have control over the outcome of the divorce as they do in mediation, but in this process the attorneys serve as your advocates.
For more information about mediation versus collaborative divorce, contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Solutions Divorce Mediation.