Why Choose Divorce Mediation over Divorce Court?

By Gerald A. Maggio, Esq.

Orange County divorce mediation; California Divorce MediatorsFor most divorce cases, divorce mediation can usually be the best way to resolve disputes amicably and out of court.  Here are several reasons why.

Time and Scheduling

Court sessions can be lengthy and time consuming, but the judge may only listen to what you have to say for sometimes less than 5 minutes and you may get only a few minutes to argue your position.

Divorce mediation, on the other hand, depends upon you.  You are in control of the schedule being followed and the issues being discussed.

Reduced Costs

Court appearances and traditional litigation can result in quite a hefty legal bill. Even if no progress is made, the attorney will usually bill you by the hour and this may make the entire affair a lot more expensive than your anticipation.

Divorce mediation lets you control the total costs of the process which is usually a fraction of what you would have paid in case of court proceedings.

Flexibility in Decision-Making 

In court proceedings, you may be required to make the decisions about everything from the settlement to child custody on the spot, often in front of a crowded audience and the outcome may be unpredictable as well.

On the other hand, divorce mediation lets you decide with a calm and relaxed approach as per your own schedule, because these are decisions that will affect you and your family for the rest of your life and a little rush can cost you in more than just dollars.

Privacy and Confidentiality

In courts, not only your family matters are exposed to a room full of strangers, but all court files are also public and available online and anyone can see them.

Divorce mediation can be fully confidential.

Avoid Emotional Turmoil

Divorces in courts are stressful in nature- there may be arguments, heated discussions and even personal attacks that may result in emotional wounds for the spouses as well as children that take years to heal.

Mediation is faster and a much better option for families as discussions are held in the presence of a skilled mediator and healthy communication is encouraged between both parties. Plus, if things don’t work out, there is always an option to go to court.

To learn more about the divorce process in California and how mediation can help, please visit our page, “What is Divorce Mediation.”