Divorce mediation offers couples getting divorced an alternative to lengthy and costly litigation. It can be used by people seeking divorce or separation in Oregon. The ability to reduce conflict during these processes can benefit not just spouses but any children that may be involved as well.

Divorce mediation significantly reduces the drama of a divorce. The ability to do this can not only make the divorce itself less difficult but it can set up a more positive atmosphere for after the divorce.

Court divorces usually take between 9-18 months. Mediation usually takes between 1-3 months.

Court proceedings are 3-5 times higher in cost than mediation. Although most attorneys and mediators charge by the hour, parties who use mediation only pay for one professional (the mediator) and not two dueling attorneys who duplicate work and prepare for every possibility that the other side may put forth.

Mediation cuts through the nonsense. In mediation, the parties talk about the problem and the solutions to the problem. No posturing for the other side (which attorneys love to do… and get paid for it). If a party gets off-track, the mediator guides them back to the agenda. If a party has an unrealistic solution that doesn’t take into account both parties, the mediator will reality-check them.

When parties submit their divorce to the court to decide, the parties lose control over their future. Mediation requires that both parties agree on the solutions, which means you control your custody arrangements and your support obligations.

Although you are getting a divorce, you still need a functional relationship with the other party. Because mediation requires you to work together to determine the terms of your divorce, you learn different ways to interact and communicate. You also create future expectations for how the party will interact with you.