Mediation is often an effective method to reach a divorce settlement where couples may benefit from a neutral third party’s help to resolve issues such as property division, child custody, alimony and the like. In divorce mediation, both spouses, and sometimes their respective lawyers, will work together with a mediator to achieve a settlement.
Sometimes, a neutral third party is not necessary for spouses to reach an agreement – it is simply a matter of needing someone to facilitate the discussion to find common ground on the important issues of divorce. Collaborative divorce offers couples who may have different opinions an opportunity to make decisions together with the help of a lawyer.
Collaborative and mediation divorce are similar in that they are informal, flexible, efficient and less costly when compared to litigation. The main differences are that mediation involves a neutral third party, whereas in a collaborative divorce, couples work with collaborative attorneys.
Both collaborative and mediation divorce provides couples an alternative to contested, costly litigation when they cannot agree and many family lawyers are poised to offer these services for their clients.
If you and your spouse are considering divorce and would like more information on divorce mediation or collaboration, contact the Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell PC for help. Our Libertyville, Illinois family law team can help you decide what approach may work well for your family. Email or call today at 847-495-6000.