If you dread the idea of airing out the dirty laundry of your marriage in open court, you might want to consider “private court” or arbitration or mediation. Negotiating child custody, child support, alimony, and the division of your marital property in public can make the entire process even more stressful and emotional.

Arbitration and mediation consists of each spouse coming together with a neutral third-party who will help navigate through all issues needed so that the parties can proceed with finalizing their divorce. Arbitrators and mediators are to remain unbiased and impartial to any one side, they may not provide legal advice. That is why it is necessary to have a skilled arbitrator or mediator that can keep all parties on subject and moving towards an agreeable resolution. The main advantage of arbitration or mediation is that it keeps you and your spouse in control of your own divorce, allowing you both to be more satisfied with the end results.

There are other benefits to arbitrating or mediating your divorce, such as:

• Time. Litigation usually takes months, or even years, to complete. The parties have to go through the formal process of gathering evidence by submitting requests for documents and deposing witnesses. In arbitration or mediation, the parties have more control over the process and when a final determination in the case will be made.
• Money. Because the arbitration or mediation process moves quicker, it usually saves you money. It provides the parties flexibility which can allow them to accomplish their goals in cost-effective ways.
• Protection. If one of the spouses owns a business or is a key leader in a company, a nasty, public divorce can hurt your business. It can also help preserve your family assets. Consider negative changes that may occur in the real estate market while you are waiting for your trial date.

So, how do you arbitrate or mediate your divorce? You and your spouse must agree to use an arbitrator or mediator to resolve your issues. It is important that both parties have their own counsel throughout the arbitration or mediation process.

If you are considering divorce and you want to keep the matter private, contact us to learn more about the arbitration or mediation process. The Men’s Divorce Law Firm exhausts all possible dispute resolution services prior to proceeding with the assistance of the courts. In doing so, we have created trusting partnerships with Florida Supreme Court certified family law mediators that are able to guide you effectively and efficiently through all issues surrounding a dissolution of marriage. Please contact the experienced men’s divorce attorneys today for assistance in the selection process.