Better Than Divorce Litigation

Litigation is the complete opposite of mediation. In litigation, divorce attorneys on each side are focused on getting the most for their respective clients. Finding a solution that works in the best interest of both parties and their children is secondary to their primary goal of winning the case. One side will “lose”.

In traditional divorce proceedings, an attorney will bring your issues that have not been agreed upon before a judge, who will make a legally binding decision on each issue. After that, the attorney will provide a settlement agreement and a parenting plan based on the judgment for both spouses to sign. Finally, one of the spouses may file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage as the petitioner.

Divorce mediation allows for a “win-win” approach and is highly recommended as the better alternative to traditional divorce litigation. Divorce mediation is a form of collaborative divorce where the decision-making power remains with the couple who actually understand the situation. This expands solution options to include the best result for both parties and sets everyone up for post divorce success. This is vital for couples with children who intend to co-parent their children.

How The Divorce Mediation Process Helps You

Here is how divorce mediation benefits you:

• Let’s you have your say and gives you control over the outcome.
• Your ex-partner is more likely to honor mediated agreements he negotiated for than litigated judgments that are forced on him.
• You get more flexible arrangements for issues like alimony, child support, and division of assets compared to court rulings.
• Mediation is quicker – saving you time from having to run between the court and your attorney’s law office.
• More cost-effective than hiring a law firm to go to court.
• Easier for you to maintain or improve a working relationship before and after the divorce process for co-parenting.
• Greater confidentiality in the mediation process.

How divorce mediation helps your children:

• Your children are exposed to less conflict as you resolve your disputes with the mediator.
• Your children don’t have to pick sides.
• Your children will be shielded by the greater privacy of mediation.
• Faster dispute resolution means your children can start to adjust to the new situation sooner.

Certified Child Custody Mediation

West County Behavioral Health has a team of professional mediators and clinical therapists that are knowledgeable in family law as well as parenting and child development. We have designed a confidential process to offer parents the ability to create a workable and age-appropriate parenting plan for their children. This is ideal for parents who want a plan formulated by competent professionals that work for their family without the “typical” visitation schedule. 

Certified Family Dispute Mediation

Mediation can be used for Legal Separation, motions to modify terms of settlement, paternity matters, and any other family law matter. If you are having a family dispute that does not involve divorce or custody, mediation is a good solution.

Call (314) 200-5131 to schedule a consultation.

St. Louis Divorce Mediation Services

We are dedicated to providing high-quality mediation services to the residents of the Greater St. Louis area. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, West County Behavioral Health is readily accessible to the residents of Clayton, St. Charles, and St. Louis. We strive to create a safe and supportive atmosphere where clients can openly discuss issues and reach a resolution. Our mediators are committed to helping clients achieve the best outcome for themselves and their families.