A divorce, even while leaving a toxic relationship, can be brutal. But this does not mean that you have to stay in your marriage if it is not fulfilling your life anymore. Instead, when calling a family lawyer, you may want to consider mediation over litigation. Litigation is sometimes necessary, especially if you and your former spouse do not agree on the same things.

Nevertheless, litigation is not the only answer when leaving your union. If you and your former spouse are in good terms and can find common ground about who best to dissolve the marriage, then you may find that that mediation will be a better fit for both your needs. If you have not considered mediation as a means of facilitating your separation, here are some reasons why you should.

Have control about the future

When you choose to have a mediator facilitate the proceedings, you have a better chance of ensuring that both your needs and those of your partner are met. A mediator's main task is to try to get both of you to compromise, which can be received better from an objective party. Litigation, in contrast, allows someone else who does not know the entire background of your union to set out rules and parameters to follow once you are divorced.

By leaving your future in the hands of the judge, you risk not getting a fraction of what you would prefer from the dissolution. Therefore, if you do not want to leave your fate in the hands of the judge, it is best to have a mediator oversee the dissolving of your marriage.

Retain an amicable relationship

Litigation, in any capacity, is stressful. Contentious issues can become aggravated, and if you cannot keep your emotions out of the process, you can easily find you and your ex-spouse on bad terms. If you do not want to cause any further division in your family, especially if you have kids, you may want to consider taking the route of mediation. A mediator does not only work to ensure that both parties are satisfied, but they also help in facilitating better communication between you and your former partner.

Thus, instead of developing negative attitudes against each other, when you engage a mediator, you get a safe space to foster honest communication and possibly a better understanding of where you both are coming from. Moreover, if you and your former spouse retain an amicable relationship, it increases the chances of cooperating once the marriage is ended. 

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