Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally stressful process, and you need the right help to handle it. In most cases, individuals will require the assistance of a divorce mediator or a divorce lawyer. However, many people often get confused between these two professionals. This blog post will help you understand the critical differences between a divorce mediator and a divorce lawyer, allowing you to make a more informed decision when choosing which professional to work with during your divorce.

Divorce Mediator

A divorce mediator is a professional who acts as a neutral third party in helping couples resolve divorce-related issues outside of court. Unlike a court, a divorce mediator provides a confidential and informal setting where couples can communicate their issues effectively and find a mutually satisfactory solution. The mediator does not take sides and does not represent either spouse. Instead, the mediator helps couples work together to reach a solution on all statutory matters, such as spousal support, child custody, child support, and property division. One significant advantage of using a divorce mediator is that the process is often faster and less expensive than going through the court system. Furthermore, mediation helps maintain healthy communication and problem-solving skills, which are significant benefits, especially when dealing with parenting issues.

Divorce Lawyer

A divorce lawyer, on the other hand, is a legal expert who represents one spouse in court. They focus on advocating for their client's interests and aim at getting the best outcome for their client. Divorce lawyers are responsible for filing legal pleadings, preparing court documents, and settling disputes with their client's partner or their partner's lawyer. Another critical role of a divorce lawyer is to negotiate the terms of the divorce, including child custody, support, property division, and spousal support. They offer legal advice on the unique circumstances of their client's divorce case and represent their client's interests in court if necessary. However, using divorce lawyers to settle a divorce can be a lengthy and costly process, ending up in contentious court battles, which can be detrimental to the parties involved in the divorce.

In short, a divorce mediator and a divorce lawyer offer different services to the parties involved in a divorce case. While a divorce attorney focuses on legal representation for one spouse in court, a mediator acts as a neutral third party, facilitating discussion and finding a mutually agreeable solution. Ultimately, deciding whether to use a mediator or a lawyer for your divorce depends on the unique circumstances of your case. Remember that whatever option you choose, your divorce settlement should represent a fair outcome for everyone involved.

For more information, contact a professional divorce mediator in your area.