For couples who simply can no longer move forward together and have tried everything they can think of to save their union, divorce is always a last-resort option. Although divorces on television shows are often depicted as bitter battles over assets and custody issues, there is no reason or need for them to be as such in real life. A lengthy court battle may be attractive to some people because it settles all the issues at once; but once emotional, financial and practical damage to both spouses are considered, divorce court loses its appeal. Another collateral damage in divorce are the children who suffer psychological and emotional trauma in the process.
Because of all these reasons, most couples who are willing to cooperate and work together for their family’s sake are actively seeking a better way to handle their divorce. That better way is called the Pro-Se Divorce. Pro-se (parties without attorneys) divorce via mediation guides families to an amicable, peaceful divorce that minimizes damage, both emotional and financial.
In a pro-se mediated divorce, a neutral third party called a Family Law Mediator works with the couple through the process of finding an acceptable solution. This mediator is chosen because he or she possesses knowledge and experience in family law and family emotional dynamics and because he or she is legally obligated not to impose any view or solution on the couple. The mediator also prepares all necessary legal documents for the divorce upon reaching an agreement.
Another benefit of a mediated pro-se divorce is a couple’s freedom to obtain the advice of other experts during the process. Because the process is cooperative by nature, expenses could be further reduced if one expert is used for both spouses. Financial advisors, forensic accountants, mortgage experts or realtors who assist with valuation of assets and other technical aspects of a divorce are a few of the experts that may be called in, if the need should ever arise. In select cases, each spouse may elect to have an attorney advise them at any stage of the mediation process. Because the mediator is the neutral third party, he or she cannot act as an attorney.
To help the children understand the divorce process and come to terms with what’s happening; divorce coaches might be contacted especially when the children affected are too young. Although pro-se divorce is not suitable for everyone, it can still be a viable alternative for couples who can are willing to work together and help their family minimize the pain and expense of divorce proceedings.
