Pandemic Delays Make Non-Litigation Divorces More Appealing

Even though courts have begun to reopen in some areas throughout the United States, the backlog that built up through the pandemic will take many months to clear. Judges and court administrators will face a type of triage as they determine which cases should be prioritized as operations slowly return to normal. Matters that might be resolved out of court and those that don’t involve an urgent public concern could be pushed back further, giving parties an increased incentive to work things out themselves.

When one looks at the relevant factors, it seems that couples who have been waiting for several months to litigate their divorce might have a much longer time to wait. Accordingly, some of them are taking a second look at mediation and other methods of concluding a divorce without engaging in litigation. Whether you’ve just decided to end your marriage or the dissolution process has stalled due to reasons beyond your control, there are ways you can increase the likelihood of achieving a resolution outside of court, such as:

• Focus on what’s important — Divorce proceedings don’t exist to decide which spouse is right and which is wrong. Rather, the parties are there to set a legal framework for the future and determine how marital assets should be distributed. People expecting a dramatic scene in court usually are disappointed.
• Remember the value of your time and well-being — Litigation is expensive and the cost of a drawn-out court case includes much more than attorney’s fees. Preparing for a trial uses time that you could be devoting to the things you enjoy or increase your earning ability as you start the next phase of your life. There’s also the emotional burden that exists when you are uncertain about your future while in the middle of a divorce. Ending your marriage once and for all offers benefits that aren’t written in the dissolution order.
• Get help from an experienced divorce mediator — Speaking with a qualified mediator can help you understand the potential advantages of this method of alternative dispute resolution as you attempt to bridge the gap on such issues as parenting arrangements and property division. Even if you’ve tried to settle your divorce previously and failed, skillful assistance might result in a different outcome, especially in view of the change in perspective triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solutions Divorce Mediation, Inc. in Dix Hills helps Long Island couples cut down on the time and money needed to complete the New York marriage dissolution process. For a free consultation regarding your needs, please call 1.631.683.8172 or contact us online.