If you’re going through a divorce, you will likely feel overwhelmed. At the beginning of the process, you and your former spouse may find it difficult to agree on divorce separation and property agreements. If you and your former spouse can’t reach an equitable agreement, the next step may be hiring a mediator. A divorce mediator is a neutral third party who listens to both sides and attempts to lead you to an agreement. According to Divorce Net, there are five phases of divorce mediation, beginning with an introduction to the process by the mediator. During the next phase, the negotiator will gather information from both of you. Phase #3 will identify which issues matter to both of you; these will be addressed by mediator-led negotiation in the fourth phase.

You may wonder: “After mediation, what is the next step?” The fifth mediation phase will produce a contract that both of you will formally sign after divorce mediation ends; it typically guides the judge during the divorce settlement. You may also ask, “Is a mediation agreement legally binding?” According to Insights Therapy, the signed agreement is binding as long as it complies with state law. It’s important to get in touch with a dependable legal team for help if you’re going through a divorce.

If you’ve decided it’s time to file for divorce, it’s important to know that there are more options available to you and your partner than just battling it out in court. In fact, divorce mediation services come with several unique benefits. Let’s explore a few of them.

Save Money

While you’ll still need to pay for divorce mediation services, it’s not nearly as expensive as paying to work with a lawyer for a months-long battle in court. Through mediation, divorce costs typically average out to somewhere between $1,500 and $3,000 for both parties involved. Not only that, but you’re not dragging out the length of time you’ll need mediation services through a series of court dates. If you and your partner both want as amicable a divorce as possible and to not spend a fortune during the process, mediation is definitely a good option to consider.

Save Time

One of the biggest benefits that comes with divorce mediation is all the time saved. During a normal divorce, the entire process can take a long time. In fact, most divorces take anywhere from nine months to two years to complete. Litigation can quickly become a complex process, and the timeline for most divorces provides plenty of evidence to that point. Mediation, on the other hand, typically takes much less time than a typical divorce. If you choose divorce mediation, you’ll be looking at a timeline of approximately two to four months instead of two years. If you and your partner want to move on with your lives and make your split as painless as possible, mediation is the way to go.

Protect Your Children

If you and your partner have children together, mediation might be the best way to save them from undue emotional distress. Divorce is tough enough without the long, drawn-out litigation battles that can last for years. Instead, mediation provides an opportunity for you and your partner to work together throughout your separation to decide what’s best for your family moving forward. When your children see that you and your partner still have respect and compassion for one another, it might be easier for them to handle the transition during your divorce.

Divorce mediation offers a whole host of benefits for both the parties getting divorced and the families affected.