Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is a helpful way to resolve disputes during a divorce without going to trial. While the media may make it out to seem like every divorce goes to trial, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In most cases, people are able to resolve their cases and settle disputes without a judge so that they can keep their divorces private.
It’s a good goal to stay out of court for a few reasons. The first is that going to trial will take longer, dragging out the length of your divorce. The second reason is that a divorce trial is costlier than settling outside court. Finally, trials are not private, so anyone can see what’s said.
Can divorce alternative dispute resolution help with child custody concerns?
Yes. In fact, many people use ADR to help with custody since it’s such a difficult decision to make. When you sit down in mediation, for example, you’ll be urged to negotiate and work out a schedule you both agree on. In arbitration, an arbitrator will listen to both sides and make a decision in the best interests of your children. Best of all, those decisions will not be public, so you can rest easy knowing that your children are protected.
If you are interested in trying ADR to resolve your disputes, talk to your attorney. They have experience with matters like these and can help you decide on the kind of ADR that you should use to resolve your disputes. Every divorce is different but getting help can make it easier.
