Divorce mediation serves as an alternative to litigation. Instead of going to court and leaving the outcome of the proceedings up to a judge, mediation provides couples the opportunity to resolve any disputes on their own. Whether you can’t agree on child custody or asset division, here are some of the biggest reasons to pursue mediation before resorting to litigation.

The Advantages of a Mediated Divorce

1. Faster Resolutions

Ending a marriage allows you to secure a fresh start. Should you take the case to court, however, it could be months—or even years—before you get a clean slate. Mediation allows couples to resolve disputes in a matter of weeks so they can finalize arrangements a lot faster—as long as both parties are willing to cooperate.

2. Lower Expenses

Litigation comes with all kinds of court costs, not to mention additional legal fees because the proceedings can take considerably longer to resolve. Although you will have to pay the mediator—and it's still wise to hire an attorney to negotiate on your behalf—the total cost will inevitably be a fraction of what many couples spend on litigation when all is said and done.

3. More Control

While family law judges certainly try to devise fair arrangements, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get what you want by going to court. What's more, there’s nothing you’ll be able to do about the outcome of the case because it will be out of your hands.

As long as you’re open to compromise, however, it may be possible to secure a favorable arrangement through mediation. For example, you can propose strategic terms that will meet the other party's requests while still leaving you with a satisfactory settlement.

If you’re in the process of ending your marriage and you’ve decided to try divorce mediation, turn to Brandau & Waltz Law Offices, LLP. Based in La Crosse, WI, this practice is backed by nearly 60 years of experience in the legal field. As such, they know what it takes to resolve even the most contentious disputes. To learn more about their family law services, visit their website. To request a consultation, call (608) 784-2050.