Choosing the right divorce attorney is crucial in ensuring that you get to the finish line feeling satisfied. You, therefore, must do your research and select an attorney who communicates, has the right experience, and a high rate of successful appeals. If you are planning on filing for a divorce and require an attorney to support you during the delicate process, the Tacoma divorce attorneys are a team of experienced attorneys. They practice evidence-based law and are their clients’ advocates.
Divorce attorneys always recommend for spouses to involve a third party to help them find common ground. This process is called mediation. Each spouse may choose to bring their divorce attorney during this process as a form of legal support.
If the mediation is a success, your divorce attorneys will draft the final agreements which both sides will agree to sign. The final step would be taking the documents to the court for the judge to sign.
There are several reasons why you should agree to settle the divorce through mediation.
Saves you money
A survey by Bankrate states that the average cost of divorce is $15,000 per person inclusive of court fees, attorney fees, tax planning experts’ costs, and real estate appraisers. Divorce mediation costs 10% less of this cost, making it a smart decision for both parties.
Protects the children’s health
Unlike litigation, mediation puts the kids’ needs first, thereby protecting their mental health. Custody battles are very adversarial and put the children at risk and may also lead to resentment.
Saves time
A contested divorce is time-consuming and emotionally draining as well. The minimum time it takes for the judge to decide a case is one year, but it may even go up to eighteen months. State courts have larger dockets and have fewer staff to assist them.
Depending on which state you are in, the trial judge may not have a clerk to assist them. Furthermore, the complexity of the divorce case may lengthen the time taken depending on the attorney’s schedule, the judge’s schedule, and the aggressiveness of the spouses.
Divorce mediation is the complete opposite of litigation, and the average time taken is anywhere between two months to four months. A mediation process takes on a straightforward approach, allows information sharing to help reach a unanimous decision. This prevents the spouse from spending too much time in the process and sets a good foundation for co-parenting.
Parties retain their control
A divorce mediator is a neutral third party that does not make the final orders. Mediation is also a confidential process whereby parties sign an agreement that prevents them from using any statements and discoveries made in court if the divorce escalates. The final decision is made by the two disputing parties. This is different from court cases whereby the judge has the final say.
Help avoid future legal battles
Litigation creates the likelihood of either party filing for appeals due to resentment and discontentment of the judge’s decision. Studies show that spouses who choose mediation are more satisfied and invested because the decision was made by them.
Divorce mediation is a beneficial process that helps save costs, time, and unnecessary pain and resentment. People wishing to file for divorce should, therefore, choose divorce attorneys that will put their needs first. Tacoma divorce attorneys not only offer great legal advice but also guide you through every step of the way.