Divorce can take a toll on your finances, your career and your mental health. The longer your separation drags on, the worse of an outcome you may experience.
Mediation is one resource you might consider to potentially shorten the time it takes to reach a settlement. Learning more about this option may help you determine if it is the right decision for you.
High emotional conflict
A volatile relationship can make it impossible to effectively communicate with your spouse. In fact, for this reason alone, you might have chosen to discontinue your marriage. The sooner you can part ways the better it might be for your health and future. According to U.S. News, on average, a litigated divorce could last anywhere from 9 to 18 months longer than one that goes through mediation.
If you know it is unlikely that you can reach a reasonable agreement with your partner, mediation might provide helpful, objective support. With the right approach, a third party may successfully help both of you reach an amicable outcome, so your separation moves quickly.
Dishonesty or abuse
If your spouse has tried concealing assets or has exhibited abusive or controlling behaviors, mediation could improve your ability to acquire a fair settlement. You will want to collect evidence of your claims prior to expressing your concerns. With a good strategy in place, you can present your position and then rely on mediation to assess a fair outcome.
Mediation does not work for everyone, but it is certainly worth a try. Conducting yourself with dignity and professionalism can help you establish a believable reputation so you can effectively advocate for yourself.
