For many spouses, the last thing they want to do is spend months in court after a breakup. The emotional impact of this situation is bad enough, and a drawn-out, stressful legal process is only going to make everything more difficult to deal with. As it turns out, you do not necessarily need to go through this tumultuous process if you are approaching a divorce. There are actually a few different alternatives you might want to explore if the thought of a trial seems absolutely unbearable.
To learn more about your options, you will need to get in touch with a family law attorney in Georgia. Our legal professionals can answer all of your questions on topics like mediation and collaborative divorce, and we can help you make the best choice based on your specific needs and priorities. From there, we can guide you forward and assist you with virtually every aspect of your divorce, including child support, alimony, custody, and property division.
It Depends on Your Spouse
First of all, it is important to realize that in some cases, a litigated divorce may be unavoidable. If your spouse is intent on fighting it out in court without coming to the negotiation table, you really have no choice but to meet them at a trial. Both spouses must agree to pursue alternatives to litigation together. So the chances of you avoiding a trial are slightly out of your control since it is all dependent on your spouse.
Collaborative Divorce
One possible alternative is collaborative divorce. This option involves both spouses meeting together with their respective lawyers and hashing out an agreement that covers all aspects of their divorce. Considerable negotiation on certain subjects may be necessary, but many spouses can compromise on various issues, ending in a favorable outcome for all. When the agreement is finalized, it is simply brought before a judge and signed without spouses ever having to attend a trial.
Mediation
Mediation is quite similar to collaborative divorce in that the negotiations take place outside of court and behind closed doors. In fact, the only real difference is the person facilitating the discussion. Instead of being led by two lawyers, the negotiation is handled by a mediator. This is an independent, specially-trained individual who is supposed to be completely impartial. While lawyers look out for their clients’ best interests, mediators try to pursue the best possible outcome for both parties.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for an experienced family law attorney in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous spouses in the Georgia area. We know that a litigated divorce can seem like an extremely daunting prospect, and sometimes this is the only option. But there may be other options available, and the only way to explore these possibilities is to book a consultation as soon as possible. Reach out today, and we can help you get started with an effective action plan.