Your marriage may have lasted for decades, but now you and your spouse have decided to divorce.
You accumulated significant assets over the years and dread the idea of a public divorce. Mediation has advantages over litigation including the ability to control the outcome of your divorce.
Issues with litigation
With complex property division, the litigation process can become quite lengthy and expensive. A divorce in court is also a public matter, which is a concern for many high-income couples. In the end, a judge will make decisions you must abide by but may not agree with.
Benefits of mediation
Mediation is a private process held in more relaxed surroundings outside of court. You and your spouse will work together to create a divorce settlement agreement that is satisfactory to you both. The mediator, a neutral third party, will provide guidance and access to legal information that will help you in your deliberations. You will be in control. The mediator will not take sides but will offer suggestions when necessary to resolve sticking points in your negotiations. Most high-asset couples find that mediation is considerably faster and less expensive than litigation.
A better future
If your marriage continued for decades, you and your spouse have a long history together. You have every reason for wanting control over your own divorce. Moreover, you would likely prefer to maintain a cordial relationship with one another. Litigation can foster acrimony. Mediation focuses on civility and communication, which makes the divorce process easier and gives you greater confidence as you prepare for the next stage of your life.