Mediation: Why It Is an Effective Tool in the Divorce Process

 Posted on July 04, 2016 in Mediation

Even the most peaceful divorces can benefit from family law mediation. Whether there are minor or major disputes regarding issues such as finances or the raising of children, the groundwork for any separation is improved when spouses work with a certified professional who can both provide the resources and information needed to ensure the divorce process goes smoothly and help reduce tension at the same time.

Why Is Family Law Mediation Such a Helpful Tool?

1. It reduces emotional and financial stress.

Divorce can make you go bankrupt - both literally and figuratively. It is not uncommon for spouses who feel hurt or betrayed to experience a lot of hurt and anger toward their partner. These emotions often turn into the desire for revenge, especially where finances are concerned. When consumed or blinded by these emotions, it is easy to lose sight of reality and form unrealistic expectations about how much money you will receive from your spouse or how much you will be responsible to pay following the separation. If you are not careful, this can translate to a lot of money and energy spent on “getting even,” which can sadly lead to serious emotional toll as a result. Divorce mediation helps keep the facts and your perspective in check, providing a professional, civil, organized environment for settling financial and lifestyle matters.

2. It makes the divorce process more efficient.

Another common habit divorcing spouses adopt in the midst of a separation is independent research. In today’s day and age, it is completely understandable to want to research things like alimony and child support calculations on your own. While there are many useful tools on the internet for those going through a divorce, some of these resources are inaccurate or mere estimations. They cannot replace the true value and legitimacy of a legal professional, especially when it comes to the ability to lessen tension, reduce misunderstandings, and educate you and your spouse on your rights. The Illinois Department of Human Rights reports that the state’s Mediation Unit has a resolution rate of over 80 percent out of all conferences held. The mediation process is confidential, relatively fast, and removes any doubts or uncertainties you might have as you proceed with your divorce. All of these factors combined make for a more efficient divorce process, from start to finish.

Regardless of where you and your spouse fall on the divorce conflict spectrum, professional mediation offers an excellent alternative form of dispute resolution. If you want to minimize conflict, reduce tension, and ensure your rights are protected, it is important to speak with an experienced Kane County family law attorney. Call Shaw Sanders, P.C. at 630-584-5550 for a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.illinois.gov/dhr/Publications/Documents/Mediation_Brochure.pdf

http://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/Pages/familyLaw.aspx