Divorce is something no one ever wants to go through, but it is an unfortunate reality for roughly 50 percent of all spouses in today’s day and age. That said, just as divorce often stems from spouses being unable to agree on certain things, spouses often find themselves unable to agree on the terms of their divorce as well. If you and your spouse cannot agree on your divorce terms, you are in what’s known as a contested divorce. Often, contested divorces, also known as litigated divorces, will have to go before a judge in a courtroom setting. If you would like to know more about the divorce process or whether there’s a way you can avoid going to court for your divorce, continue reading and reach out to a knowledgeable Los Angeles divorce attorney from Zitser Family Law Group, APC.
Does every divorce have to go to court?
Simply put, the answer is no, your divorce technically doesn’t have to be litigated in a courtroom setting. For many spouses, especially those on speaking terms and who can compromise with one another, there are alternatives to a litigated divorce, which, for many, is a sigh of relief. Often, litigated divorces are very contentious, and couples also lose their sense of privacy in what feels like should otherwise be a very private matter. The most common alternative to litigated divorce is mediation.
Essentially, a divorce mediator is an unbiased third party who is also usually an attorney. Essentially, your divorce mediator will sit with you and your spouse in a neutral location that is not a courtroom, and from there, the mediator will try to facilitate a civil conversation in an effort to get you and your spouse to reach a compromise regarding the terms of your divorce, such as those surrounding child custody, property division, spousal support, and child support.
As long as you and your spouse can reach a compromise, you can obtain a legally-binding agreement that will finalize your divorce. Not only is mediation more private, but it’s also often a calmer process, and since it’s done out of a courtroom setting, the stakes don’t feel quite as high. Additionally, children of parents getting divorced can also benefit from mediation, as it’s a far better alternative than a protracted custody battle in court.
If you have any other questions about divorce mediation or your divorce in general, please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call.
Contact our experienced Los Angeles firm
For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need through any family law or divorce matter, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.
