Going through a divorce usually involves some amount of stress, but it may be more challenging when you are struggling with finances. Wisconsin court costs and attorney fees may place an immediate strain on your finances, and you may have to make changes to your post-divorce budget once you factor in alimony and/or child support payments. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce some of your initial expenses by choosing mediation or collaborative divorce. At Law Offices of Benske, Gatzke, McFadden and Rose, we have helped many couples utilize these options to make the divorce process more time-efficient and affordable.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on child custody arrangements, a Wisconsin court may require you and your spouse to participate in mediation. The goal of mediation is for you and your spouse to reach a mutually satisfying agreement on issues in question with the help of a neutral mediator. Working with a mediator may help you and your spouse find a solution that supports your child’s best interests and allows you to co-parent effectively. Mediation may also help reduce court-related expenses.
Another option you may want to consider is collaborative divorce. While this option is similar to mediation in that it may help you and your spouse resolve conflicts outside of a courtroom, there are differences as well. In a collaborative divorce, there is no neutral mediator. Instead, you and your spouse each have a lawyer to help you negotiate all the aspects of the divorce. This process may help you reach a settlement without traditional litigation, which is often time-consuming and expensive.
You and your spouse may find many benefits in choosing mediation or collaborative divorce. One of these legal options may help you reach a settlement quickly and save money on court fees. More information about these processes is available on our website.