An impending divorce is an extremely stressful and vulnerable experience due to the potential loss and uncertainty of so many aspects of life, such as partnership, financial security, parenting time, home, family relationships, and future life plans. Given these circumstances, deciding what steps to take when getting a divorce becomes even more important.
In addition, divorces are often expensive. In fact, the average cost of divorce in the United States is anywhere between $15.000 and $20.000. So, opting for mediation can help you reduce costs and solve any conflicts or disagreements you might have with your former partner. Lack of mediation can result in complications, stress, and animosity.
Having a neutral third party mediate a divorce before reaching an agreement is a less expensive option and can save divorced couples significant time and stress compared to traditional divorce litigation.
Here are five benefits of hiring a mediator when starting a divorce procedure.
But first, how to find the right mediator?
The advantages of divorce mediation are a natural byproduct of the mediation process itself. However, differences in mediator style and approach may augment or diminish the benefits you get from hiring one. Some of these benefits include making sure you obtain an excellent post-divorce relationship with your spouse, setting a great example for your children, and ensuring there won’t be any additional legal battles.
As a result, it is critical to choose a divorce mediator whose style and approach are comfortable for both spouses. Most mediators provide free phone consultations or up to an hour-long in-person consultation to help clients find the right mediator for their families.
Therefore, before you make any decisions, do extensive research and find the best option for both of you. For example, if you live in Philadelphia, conduct thorough research and find the best divorce mediation lawyer Philadelphia has to offer.
A successful post-divorce relationship
When the mediation process is completed, you and your spouse will most likely be on better terms than if you had spent a year or so battling each other in court. Even after the divorce is finalized, court battles tend to foster lingering hostility and resentment that are nearly impossible to overcome. The consequences are obvious, both for you and your children.
Mediation can also help set the tone for a better relationship and smoother co-parenting in the future. In fact, divorced parents who chose mediation and do not live with their children see them more frequently than those who went to court for their divorce.

Image source: Masters Law Group
Maintains your privacy and confidentiality
Family matters are delicate and should be kept private. You will never set foot in a courtroom during mediation. Unlike a contested divorce, for instance, your divorce process in mediation will not include public hearings that become part of the public record. State laws protect the confidentiality of divorce mediation. As a result, all oral and written communication, draft agreements, and disclosures are kept strictly confidential.
No future legal battles
Decisions made by an attorney or a judge during a divorce are far more likely to lead to problems later on. If one spouse is dissatisfied with the court's decision, they may try to challenge it through legal appeals and modifications.
These conflicts can prolong an already protracted divorce, putting spouses and their families under additional emotional and financial strain. Couples who reach voluntary agreements through mediation are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome in the long run.
Better control over the outcome
Mediation, to a large extent, puts your future in your own hands rather than allowing a judge to decide what happens to you, your children, and your assets. Only you and your spouse know your situation in the slightest detail. Mediation can assist you in determining the outcome of your divorce on your own terms.
Judges usually have a large caseload and only a limited amount of time to consider each case that comes before them. Mediation allows you to delve deeply into the issues and devise innovative solutions.

Image source: Texas Legal
Sets a great example
The adversarial threat, demand, and counter-demand inherent in a litigated divorce create a pattern of high conflict and mistrust during the critical period of establishing a new post-separation parenting relationship.
A significant benefit of divorce mediation, on the other hand, is that parents are guided and supported in making proposals and reaching mutually acceptable agreements about difficult topics. This collaborative problem-solving approach teaches parents how to work respectfully with one another and establishes a positive co-parenting relationship to deal with future challenges.
Final thoughts
Divorce mediation is a dispute resolution process that permits divorcing couples to reach an amicable arrangement with the assistance of a neutral mediator. The mediator assists spouses who wish to divorce civilly in resolving their differences. Mediation can help you get through this difficult time much easier, plus you will show great examples of respect and mutual understanding to your children.