How NOT to make lawyers richer? Choose MEDIATION!
The majority of folks who get involved in a dispute involving family law have two primary goals: the first is to safeguard their own best interests, and the second is to do it in the most economical manner feasible. Who, after all, wants to spend more money than is really necessary?
If this is one of your primary worries regarding your family law case, you should be considering how you might bring it to a successful conclusion through the use of mediation rather than going to court. Litigation, which refers to the process of putting your case before a family law judge to have a decision made, is almost always going to be more expensive than the alternative dispute resolution method of mediation. How is it that the cost of mediation is almost always going to be lower than the cost of litigation? The solution can be found in the process of mediation itself.
The following are some of the reasons why family law mediation is more cost-effective than litigation:
A more expedient resolution: When there are only a few disagreements that need to be resolved between the two parties, mediation is often the most fruitful course of action. When there are fewer disagreements to resolve, there is less of a need for the time of a specialist who is working on the case, such as a family lawyer. It seems to reason that the overall cost of a case will decrease if fewer expensive professional services are required.
Corrections that are simpler: You are able to incorporate a provision or other "legal mechanism" in the mediation process that advises all of the parties to meet again in the event of any future conflicts. Because this process is in place, you will be able to continue meeting with the same mediator, who is already familiar with the situation. This will, in turn, reduce the amount of time needed from that specialist, which will result in a reduction in the overall expenditures.
Reduced number of professionals: When we talk about your family law issues requiring the assistance of specialists and professionals, we also need to mention that mediation involves some level of collaboration between you and the opposing party. By working together on issues, you will be able to find solutions to difficulties on your own, with the mediator providing objective advice. Because of this, you will need to recruit fewer subject matter experts, which will, once again, keep expenses down.
Reduced levels of anger: Because the basis of mediation is collaboration, the sentiments of anger and betrayal that might arise frequently in the course of litigation are stifled throughout the mediation process. When a couple decides to divorce through mediation they often choose not to engage in any fighting throughout the process. This allows them to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their children once the divorce is finalized. When there are fewer arguments, mediation may take place without as many delays, which shortens the amount of time it takes to resolve a dispute. Once more, a shorter amount of time results in cheaper expenditures.