Many people assume that divorces are emotionally charged, mentally exhausting, and painstakingly complicated. They don’t have to be.

Some divorces are straightforward and uncomplicated, relatively speaking, and both parties are able to hash out their differences, discuss and agree upon terms, and get it all in writing without stepping foot into a courtroom.

That’s the difference between mediation and litigation divorces, according to East Bay’s premier family law attorney Vonnah Bagner.

A Different Approach

Litigation divorces, by definition, conclude in the courtroom after lengthy legal proceedings. Generally speaking, it’s because the two involved parties are at odds, each believing they are not receiving a fair shake of things.

During litigation, it will be up to each party, and their attorneys, of course, to make their case to the judge and ultimately determine the terms. Both parties have their opportunity, but the decision is left to a third party.

In mediation divorces, the two involved parties have a say over the specific terms, but it requires excellent communication from the jump. In these scenarios, the divorce either begins uncontested or, through mediation and negotiation, becomes uncontested.

If everyone can agree through mediation on what is appropriate, there is no need to bring it before a judge for a final ruling.

A Different Level of Formality

Once you call it quits on mediation, or refuse to participate altogether, then you’re subject to the formalities of the court and its processes. That means all actions associated with the divorce from that point on will be subject to stringent legal procedures.

Meanwhile, mediation divorces enjoy an informal process. The negotiations may take place at the time and in the location of your choosing, so you will have significantly more flexibility.

A Different Price Point

For many, divorces boil down to dollars and cents. People want to know how much the legal proceedings will cost, how much the attorney’s fees will be, what the processing fees will come to, and, ultimately, how much they stand to lose during property division.

There’s no easy answer to that, but the cost of mediation divorces tends to be much less compared to litigation divorces.

That’s because mediation divorces wrap several steps before a litigation divorce will. Mediation and negotiations that are unsuccessful lead to litigation, meaning more steps in the process, more papers to file, more work to be done, and more hours to pay the attorney.

On average, you will spend less on a mediation divorce.

Representation Matters

Of course, representation is paramount, whether you’re going through a straightforward uncontested divorce or a tricky and messy litigation divorce. You want to know you have the best of the best by your side to represent your best interests and back it up.

That’s exactly what you’ll get hiring Vonnah Bagner and her team at Bagner Law, PC.

Call now for more information.