Let's Get Real: The Benefits of a PRACTICAL Divorce
Divorce is a highly emotional decision and experts say it can take years, not months, to recover. Unfortunately, as one works to accept and recover from the emotional upheaval, it is often necessary to simultaneously deal with the legal side of divorce. Emotional distress and logical decision-making are generally at odds. When facing a divorce, it is important to compartmentalize and separate the emotional from the legal. This will allow you to pursue a PRACTICAL divorce, saving money, emotional stress, and time.
Compartmentalizing and separating the emotions from the legal process is essential, but hardly easy. Seek support a therapist or join a divorce recovery group. Reach out to friends or family who have faced similar situations. Above all, take care of yourself - meditate, exercise, maintain a healthy diet. As you make progress with your personal, emotional recovery, you can start pivoting toward the legal aspects of divorce.
The most PRACTICAL path for divorce is mediation. Many believe the choice is to mediate or go to court. However, most family law courts in Texas require mediation as part of the divorce process. Therefore, deciding to mediate early in the process can save a significant amount of time and money.
Refusing to mediate, or refusing to settle in a court-ordered mediation, in order to “have your day in court” rarely yields the desired outcome. Many dream of proving why they deserve a disproportionate share of the marital estate or why their spouse deserves little to no time with the children without first taking the time to understand the basics of the Texas Family Code. Judges are limited by the law and do not make decisions based on emotional appeal.
Furthermore, court proceedings are public. Do you want your neighbors and co-workers to be able to attend your divorce hearings? Do you want your children to be able to access the court transcripts one day? Litigation is a matter of public record.
Mediation, on the other hand, is the safe haven in a divorce. The mediator is a neutral party who does not take sides. The mediator will listen to both parties and help them develop a plan for co-parenting. The mediator will guide them through the division of assets and liabilities. Most importantly, mediation is confidential. Mediation allows both parties to work through the divorce process with respect and dignity.
By resolving these issues early in a divorce, mediation helps parties save time, money, and stress and also preserves privacy for the family. If you and your spouse are facing divorce, mediation is the most PRACTICAL choice. Pro se parties, those representing themselves, can reach out directly to a mediator to discuss their options. Those working with an attorney should discuss the benefits of mediating as early as possible to reap the desired benefits. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, please visit our scheduling page or call to make an appointment.
To schedule: Schedule — Barahona Consulting & Mediation (bcmediation.net)