Mediation has increasingly become a preferred method for solving problems in divorce and family law cases in Washington State. One of the reasons for this is because this method promotes open communication and allows the parties to feel heard and acknowledged.
Mediation is different
Unlike traditional litigation, mediation offers a more collaborative environment where the parties, together with their attorneys, can express their concerns and preferences and reach a mutual agreement. While an agreement is not mandatory, when done well, a vast majority of cases that choose mediation are able to settle without going to trial.
Going to trial
Litigation is expensive and time-consuming. It can take anywhere from a few months to years, and every time your attorney is working on your case, they are billing you. One of the best things about mediation is that you can bring your attorney and mediation typically takes about a day or so.
Flexibility in outcomes
Mediation is often successful because the parties are not tied to a predetermined list of options to fix their conflict, and instead, they can come up with any solution that works for them. In court, the judge will likely have a process for dividing property, determining custody and so no. In mediation, the spouses are in the driver’s seat.
Empowerment
Lastly, mediation allows the spouses to feel a sense of control and empowerment. When individuals take part in their own decision-making, they tend to take their decisions more seriously and stick with them in the long run.
Mediation offers a time efficient and less costly form of solving problems. In divorce cases, this way of solving conflict is very effective because it allows the parties to be acknowledged, feel heard, express their wishes and hopefully reach an agreement that works for everyone involved.