Atkinson & Kelsey Law Firm Blog

Understanding why some couples choose divorce mediation

For some couples dealing with marital problems, it is obvious that the end of the marriage is imminent. When married couples in New Mexico have an uncontested divorce, they may seek to go through the divorce process as civilly as possible. Even though some spouses are able to enter the dissolution process on good terms, this does not mean that they avoid complications, emotions and divorce issues. In some situations, a divorcing couple might consider certain divorce methods over the other due to their ability and schedule to work towards a divorce settlement.

For some divorcing couples, divorce mediation is a great option for them. While some believe that divorcing spouses specifically choose mediation over litigation in order to avoid the costs associated with the process, there are other good reasons why mediation is an appropriate divorce method.

A major reason couples chose mediation is the ability to negotiate issues. Each spouse could voice their opinion and resolve each divorce issue with a mediator present. This could also allow for each side to understand the reasoning each spouse has for each issue they discuss. While mediation helps promote understanding, it could also facilitate communication.

While mediation could be an appropriate method for some divorcing couples, it is not the right divorce route for all couples. When communication is sparse or it is clear an agreement cannot be reached on major divorce issues, litigation might be their best option. A court will designate an appropriate divorce settlement based on the details of the marriage.

No matter what method a divorcing couple goes through or if they utilize both mediation and litigation, it is important to fully understand their options. This will ensure they know how to best address the divorce legal issues they encounter.

Source: FindLaw.com, “Divorce Mediation – Overview,” accessed Aug. 31, 2014