Alternatives to Litigation
You might not need
to go to court
In court, the judge or commissioner decides your future. This means putting the decision-making power in the hands of a third party who does not know you or your family. There are many alternatives to empower you and your spouse to decide your own future. You do not have to agree on everything or have perfect communication to reach a joint decision.
The court process is an adversarial one. You are on one side and your spouse on the other, with the judge choosing between you. Even if ending a relationship is painful, most people do not want to go to war with their soon-to-be-ex. Instead, you may prefer to leave your marriage with closure and civility. Fighting in court can be emotionally and financially draining, but there are alternatives that can result in a win for you, your children, and your ex.
While not always the case, alternatives to court are generally less expensive and quicker than traditional litigation. Call us to schedule a consultation with our team to discuss which option may be best for you.
DOING THE WORK YOURSELVES
The Kitchen Table
If you and your partner have an uncomplicated financial situation and work together well, you may be able to sit down and come to an agreement. This is the fastest and cheapest option for a divorce, but it requires you each fully disclose all information, discuss priorities, and then reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement.
If you need help with certain topics, there are professionals who can assist you in reaching an agreement. For example, if you have no children but need assistance with finances, you could reach out to a certified divorce financial analyst. If your finances are uncomplicated but you need help on the parenting side, you could reach out to a co-parent coach. These professionals are often less expensive than court or an attorney but can help you reach an agreement.
Once you finalize your divorce, the agreements reached may be binding and difficult or impossible to change. We strongly recommend that you have your agreement reviewed by an attorney before finalizing it. Attorneys are trained to help identify and prevent issues before they arise.
A NEUTRAL THIRD PARTY
Mediation
If you need a little more guidance than the kitchen table model provides, you may wish to seek out the services of a mediator. Mediation is required by the court in Washington, and those in litigation cannot go to trial unless they have tried to settle out of court first (except in certain circumstances).
In mediation, you and your ex voluntarily participate in resolving your dispute by agreement. The mediator is a neutral third party who facilitates a settlement helping you both communicate what you want and why.
You Can Hire a Divorce Attorney to Represent You at Any Stage During This Process.
The selection of a mediator is an essential component because the mediator controls the process. Some mediators conduct negotiations with both parties in the same room. Others utilize the shuttle system, where the parties are in separate rooms, and the mediator goes back and forth between the rooms.
Each mediator has a different style. Some are strictly facilitative and only help you and your intended ex come to an agreement from your respective positions. Others incorporate an evaluative method and offer an opinion regarding how a particular position would be perceived in court and provide alternatives to settle the matter. Generally, this form of dispute resolution is used when the parties desire an amicable divorce and genuinely feel they can work together to achieve a positive result for all.
Benefits of Divorce Mediation
• Equally shared costs by both of the parties
• A significantly lower cost compared to trial
• You can create your future instead of turning key decisions over to a judge who does not know or have the time to get to know you or your family
• Go at your pace rather than according to the court’s case schedule
• Showing your kids, if you have any, the importance of working together to solve problems
• Solutions are inhibited only by your imagination–you can think outside of the box and find creative options for your family
When you both own the mediation process, the agreement can last longer and be more durable. Ideally, you will never go back to court or fight again. Once you have successfully mediated your most important asset, your future, you might be better able to handle other disputes down the road without a judge’s oversight.
If you need help deciding if divorce mediation is right for you, speak with one of our dedicated attorneys.
Mediation Services
CHAT WITH US
Contact a Divorce Mediation Attorney
Once you have a settlement worked out, we can review the language in your agreement before final orders are entered. If you cannot reach an agreement without an attorney, we can accompany you to mediation and provide the on-site advocacy and strength needed to “close the deal.” To get started on your case, call one of our divorce mediation lawyers today.
A NEGOTIATED MEDIATION
Settlement
Conference
The term “mediation” is sometimes confused with a settlement conference. While in litigation, parties will often participate in mediation with their attorneys. Mediation may occur as a way to resolve temporary or permanent agreements. This style of mediation occurs as a negotiation, with each party and their attorney in separate spaces and the mediator bringing offers between them.
If reaching an agreement outside of the court process is a priority for you and your intended ex, our team of experienced Washington State family law attorneys can help you understand your options and outline the best approach for your situation. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
COMMITTING TO RESOLVING OUTSIDE OF COURT
Collaborative Law
You and your spouse can sign an agreement to resolve your case outside of court through a Collaborative divorce. A collaborative divorce lawyer can guide you through the marriage dissolution process and help obtain a final agreement that benefits you and your family.
What is Collaborative Divorce?
If you and your intended ex agree that you want to avoid the court process and control how your assets are divided and decide what is best for your kids, Collaborative divorce may be an excellent path for you.
Contrary to the name, collaborative doesn’t mean you and your ex agree on everything. In this process, you are each represented by a collaboratively trained attorney. You both sign an agreement to adhere to the collaborative process, which requires honesty and respect throughout the negotiation process.
Collaborative divorce allows for private meetings between the parties. Your attorney will focus on developing creative solutions to your marital issues rather than preparing for litigation. If you and your ex get “stuck” on an issue, your lawyer can guide you toward a compromise that meets both of your needs. The laws governing divorce in Washington State act as a guide in the collaborative process, not the rulebook; you are free to make decisions that work for your family.
Collaborative divorces focus on amicable problem-solving techniques rather than adversarial persuasion tactics. Each party has a role in the decision-making process, and everyone is committed to achieving the best possible outcome.
A TIMELINE TO EXPECT
How Long Does a Collaborative Divorce Take?
How long a Collaborative divorce may take depends on the complexity of your decisions and how quickly you and your ex can come to terms. Generally speaking, we often see resolution in four to ten sessions, which may occur over two to six months.
PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS
Meeting With the Other Party
All involved parties must meet to discuss a divorce settlement at mutually agreeable times and places. Relevant information, including financial documents and bank statements, is exchanged between divorcing spouses. You must also decide whether you would benefit from the help of other neutral professionals, such as accountants or a guardian ad litem.
REACHING A COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE SETTLEMENT
Finalizing the Divorce
When you and your ex reach a divorce settlement, your attorneys will work together to file the necessary documents on your behalf. A legal professional will then represent you in an uncontested divorce hearing.
When to Consider This Approach
The Collaborative divorce process can benefit many divorcing spouses. For instance, it may be a great option if both parties want:
• To maintain a civil relationship after the divorce
• A positive co-parenting relationship
• To keep their children out of the conflict
• To avoid airing their grievances in a public courtroom
• Creative settlement options outside of those offered by the court
• Control over the outcome versus leaving the final decision to a judge
• Flexibility in scheduling meetings versus following court mandates
• A, generally, less costly way to resolve divorce
Consult With a Collaborative Law Attorney
If avoiding a lengthy and costly court battle is your goal, Collaborative divorce may be the solution. A collaborative marital dissolution gives you and your ex an equal voice in your divorce.
You should retain an attorney who is well-versed in goal-oriented negotiations and conflict resolution. Our firm’s attorneys have extensive experience in Collaborative divorce cases. Speak with one of our office’s collaborative divorce lawyers today to ensure your case’s respectful and confidential management.
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