When going through a divorce, you want to pick the option that works best for you. In many cases, you will also want to do what you can to avoid the lengthy and expensive process of taking your divorce to court.
Fortunately, many options exist if you want to save time and money by avoiding a court battle. If you and your spouse can agree on some basic things, then you can opt for one of them.
Collaborative law
Forbes discusses ways to stay out of court when dealing with divorce. Two of the most common ways involve mediation and collaborative law.
Collaborative law involves you and your spouse both getting your own legal representatives. You will hold all divorce-related meetings with all four parties present. Your representatives will communicate the desires of you and your spouse, helping you reach the most reasonable and agreeable conclusions for any potential disagreements you have.
Divorce mediation
Mediation does not involve legal representatives. Instead, a mediator will help you and your spouse talk through your divorce arrangements. These people have training in de-escalation tactics, so they can ensure that no arguments get out of hand and that everyone has their time to speak. They also offer unique and valuable advice from a neutral perspective. Sometimes, legal representatives will suggest you utilize a mediator even in collaborative divorce.
Both of these options will allow you to skip the dates in court and save money compared to a full court case. They each have their own downsides and potential benefits as well, so it is important to weigh your options carefully before deciding.