Divorce is often an emotionally exhausting journey. Legal counsel and courtroom costs can be an added source of stress and difficulty in the divorce process. Many couples seeking a divorce may also fear that involving lawyers and a judge will make the process even more adversarial.
If you and your partner are not in agreement about whether to get divorced, if there are issues of domestic violence, or if your finances are particularly complicated, you will need a lawyer to get started. If you and your partner agree about getting a divorce, it is very often possible to complete the divorce process using other tools.
A summary dissolution is a quick and easy way to end a marriage if you have no assets to divide and are both in agreement about ending the marriage. If the two of you have money, property, children, or pets, the process becomes more complicated.
There is a common phrase among family law attorneys: “In our profession, we see the best people at their worst.” Although you were once a union of two people, you are becoming two individuals. Sadly, even the closest friends will disagree on the division of money, property, goods, and, most importantly, on issues relating to their children.
You do not have to go to trial to get divorced if you can decide about the division of assets, alimony, parenting plans, and any other pertinent details. Judges and lawyers are legal professionals and are not there to help you and your spouse agree — only to decide what is according to the law.
A mediator is an impartial person who will listen to both parties’ grievances and post-divorce goals, weigh each party’s argument, communicate each party’s proposed offers and settlements, and then help the two parties reach an agreement. Stated differently, a mediator is a “facilitator.” A mediator is someone who facilitates a resolution. The purpose of mediation is to find a way to reach a binding and amicable settlement between you and your spouse. Mediation can save you a lengthy and expensive trial, and make it easier for you and your spouse to part as friends.
Online divorce tools, like BlissDivorce, can guide you through the legal paperwork, keep track of the many issues that you are sorting, and organize the many details involved with finalizing an amicable divorce.
*This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in your local area.
