Heading to divorce court can be intimidating, expensive and time-consuming. But you might be able to skip all that, and still get the divorce you need.
Studies have shown that people that participate in forms of alternative dispute resolutions are much more satisfied with the outcome than when their divorce goes to trial. They also report spending less and getting through things faster. Divorce can be a difficult undertaking, but you may be better off when you have more of a say in the process outside the confines of an El Paso courtroom.
Unified division
A judge may need to sign off on any deals you make, but you can get to that finish line with a few systems that can address your needs differently:
- Negotiation: Commonly the simplest form of divorce from a structure standpoint, this route could happen without any outside interference. You and your partner can still get advice on rights and duties from attorneys, but at the end of the day, it’s generally the two of you that will make any decisions.
- Mediation: A process that hinges on communication and cooperation, you’ll probably be encouraged to make your positions known while also hearing what your partner has to say. Much more informal than a courtroom setting, mediation doesn’t have the same legal requirements for procedure. Mediation uses the help of a neutral third party who specializes in keeping the conversation moving along productively.
- Arbitration: Skewing closer to a trial, an arbitrator will hear from both you and your partner, review evidence then make a final decision on your case. If you don’t want to head to court but are having trouble making progress, arbitration can produce results. The declarations that come at the end could be binding while keeping the process behind closed doors.
Staying out of the courts could help you keep your sanity, save you some money and get the whole deal over more quickly. Determine which system works best for you, and take control in your own divorce proceedings.