A divorce can be emotionally, financially, and mentally challenging. Before you file for one, it helps to understand the different types of divorce and their implications.
A divorce or criminal defense law firm in Lynnwood, for example, will most likely have a divorce, separation, or annulment referral for you. In the process of divorce, it is common to experience mental and emotional anguish, among other problems that this situation brings. Understanding different types of divorce beforehand can help spouses proceed with their cases as easy and as quick as possible.
Here are the four most common types of divorce proceedings which can make things easier for all parties involved:
1. Mediation
This type of proceeding is common for divorcing spouses who want to avoid court and separate in a private, peaceful manner. Unlike a traditional divorce, mediation doesn’t take place in court. Instead, a neutral third-party mediator (not necessarily a lawyer) will listen to the couple’s sides and facilitate communication between the two. Mediators help spouses form an agreement that will be used by the judge for the divorce judgment. However, mediation can only be effective if both sides are sincere and honest during the proceedings. It may save you time and money than a courtroom divorce, but it wouldn’t be useful if you or your spouse refuse to cooperate.
2. Arbitration
Arbitration is done when a divorcing couple cannot agree on a final judgment by themselves. A private judge called an arbitrator weighs both sides in a private setting. The judge will then come up with a final verdict just like in a courtroom case. Divorce arbitration is done in a private, confidential way, so couples don’t have to worry about getting messy. Moreover, divorcing couples have the ability to choose their arbitrator, time and place of hearing, and specific issues to be addressed.
3. Collaborative divorce
A collaborative divorce involves both spouses hiring attorneys to collaborate and negotiate a settlement outside the court. Collaborative divorce is similar to mediation and arbitration but involves two separate legal counsel instead of only one mediator or arbitrator. Divorcing spouses may also hire financial planners and therapists to make the process easier and less painful. In this type of divorce proceeding, couples will start over if an agreement cannot be reached, so each party is more pressured to cooperate reasonably.
4. Default divorce
If your partner is nowhere to be found or does not respond to the divorce papers served, the court may grant you a default divorce or divorce in absentia. Although uncommon, this type of divorce is the easy way out of a marriage for people who have been abandoned by their spouses. This type of proceeding can take anywhere from one to three months to be finalized. Divorce can be painful, messy, and downright awful. However, not everyone needs to go through the same nightmare. With these four types of divorce proceedings, you and your partner can separate as peacefully and as quickly as possible. Just remember to keep your children’s best interests at heart.