According to Forbes, January is the season for divorce. People speculate that unhappily married couples may want to prevent souring the holidays with divorce proceedings. Others wonder whether or not a bad encounter with family members over the holidays may have been the final nail in the coffin. Whatever the reason or season, couples can expect to spend thousands of dollars on divorce.
One of the best ways to reduce divorce fees is to consider mediation. Mediated divorces almost always cost a fraction of what it costs to battle it out in court. In these instances, one appointed neutral party serves as the mediator between two soon-to-be ex-spouses to help them resolve any outstanding issues amicably. Forbes notes that this may end up costing couples a few hundred dollars versus tens of thousands in court.
Cost, however, may depend on how much time couples intend to spend going back and forth with each other over issues. Another Forbes articles notes that sometimes couples may choose to have a few short mediation sessions over a period of time. In other cases, a couple may commit to hammering out all the details within a couple of days. Once the couple comes to an agreement, they present this to a judge who decides whether or not the divorce is finalized or a hearing is necessary.
Naturally, mediation works best when couples divorce amicably and when there is a reasonable balance of power. Otherwise, homemakers and the children may not receive all the provisions they might have otherwise been granted in court. Mediation may also prove helpful if there is a legitimate and enforceable prenuptial agreement that already details how the split will take place, and if neither party wishes to contest it.