Regardless of the circumstances, ending a marriage can be emotionally painful and expensive. Even if the decision is mutual, divorce represents a loss and brings much uncertainty in all areas of life. Fortunately, there is a divorce option in North Carolina that can save time as well as money. If both parties are willing to work together, divorce mediation can be a less volatile and more affordable way to end a marriage.
Save time
In mediation, divorcing spouses work together with a neutral, third-party mediator to settle the terms of their divorce. When a couple chooses divorce mediation, they are often able to finalize their divorce without court intervention. Since a traditional litigated divorce can take over a year to complete, mediation is often a quicker and more efficient way to divorce.
Save money
Since the divorce is kept out of court, mediation is usually less expensive than a litigated divorce. In the mediation process, spouses have the flexibility to reach cost-effective agreements on the complicated parts of their separation, like splitting assets and debts or making parenting arrangements. On average, the overall cost of mediation is about 50% less than a traditional divorce.
Legal representation
Another benefit to divorce mediation, and the primary reason why many spouses go this route, is that the process is completely confidential. Although spouses work with a third-party mediator when during divorce mediation, mediators usually advise and encourage both parties to seek legal representation. Those in North Carolina who have questions about mediation or any aspect of divorce can get answers and much-needed legal guidance by meeting with an experienced and knowledgeable family law attorney.