Difference between Mediation and Collaborative Law

Should I use a mediator or a collaborative divorce attorney?

As the divorce rate rises, it becomes a more common event in everyday life. With growing acceptance in society, divorce is also changing in nature from a primarily adversarial action to a more cooperative and respectful transaction. Two of the most widespread approaches to an uncontested divorce in Houston are mediation and collaborative divorce. It is important to understand the difference between these options so that you can choose the one that will best suit the existing relationship between you and your former spouse.

One of the key benefits of collaborative divorce and mediation is that they both allow a divorcing couple to stay out of the court room as much as possible. A divorce can be highly stressful, and when you move it into a public venue such as a divorce court, the potential for conflict, embarrassment and a negative outcome increase dramatically. The judge will make a ruling on any issues that you can't resolve with your former spouse, meaning that you are much less likely to walk away from the divorce with a settlement that works for you. Couples who are capable of working together and engaging in constructive communication are usually better off in mediation or collaboration.

Collaborative Divorce Lawyer in Houston

While these two approaches share much in common, they differ in one major aspect: in mediation, you and your former spouse meet with a neutral mediator who doesn't advocate for either party. Your alternative is to work with a Houston collaborative divorce lawyer who will advise you and represent your personal interests. Collaborative law process is often a better choice for those couples who want to avoid an adversarial divorce but do want to have their own legal counsel. An attorney from Fredrickson Law Group P.C. will pursue your personal interests in negotiations over issues such as child custody, property division and debt division, giving you a better chance of a favorable outcome.

Contact a Houston collaborative divorce lawyer for a consultation to determine whether collaborative divorce is the most effective solution for you and your former spouse.