Mediation vs. Collaborative Divorce: A Comparison

Mediation and collaborative divorce are two alternative methods of resolving divorce issues that allow spouses to avoid drawn-out court battles. However, there are some key differences.

Here’s a quick overview of how these processes differ from each other.

Similar results, different processes

The purpose of both mediation and collaborative divorce is to allow spouses to work together to avoid having to go through the court process. However, the methods by which they accomplish that purpose are different.

In collaborative divorce, each spouse hires an attorney who specializes in collaborative law, who will assist you in reaching a settlement. You will have separate meetings with your attorney, and then the four of you will meet together to negotiate the issues. The process may bring in other specialists, such as financial planners or child custody specialists, who can help you work through some of the key issues.

Once you agree on all of the most important issues, you file your agreement with the court for approval. However, if you are unable to reach an agreement, you will essentially have to start from scratch.

With mediation, you meet in a guided setting with a neutral mediator who facilitates the conversation, but does not make any suggestions for how to resolve the issues. You may or may not have attorneys with you, depending on your preferences.

To learn more about the divorce mediation process and how it differs from other forms of alternative dispute resolution, contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Solutions Divorce Mediation.