When divorcing, you may wish to avoid litigation altogether and work out your contested issues with your spouse. If you hit a roadblock in negotiations or need assistance from a neutral third party, you may consider a method of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help resolve your dispute. Our Colorado Springs court-approved mediator and arbiter shares what you should know about alternative dispute resolution before choosing a method.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Alternative dispute resolution is when a divorcing couple uses third-party officials to help them create solutions to their disputes without the use of litigation. Couples who use ADR methods in their divorce begin ADR in good faith that they will not need litigation to create final solutions for their contested issues.
Divorcing couples often opt for mediation or arbitration when handling disputes regarding child custody and support, alimony, and property division in their divorce. ADR methods can give the couple more control when finalizing their divorce than litigation would.
COMMON ADR METHODS
There are two types of ADR services available at Peak Mediation — mediation and arbitration.
Mediation
Mediation is an ADR method in which a neutral third party helps a divorcing couple create solutions for their contested divorce issues. Using this method, the couple has the power in the situation to make decisions, and the mediator is there to facilitate conversation.
Arbitration
Arbitration is a great solution for couples who wish to stay out of litigation but cannot communicate effectively or compromise in mediation. In arbitration, a private judge will hear each couple’s side for a contested issue and present a solution for the couple. Couples do not have as much power when it comes to decision-making, and arbitration is not often used as a first method of resolving contested disputes in divorce.
COLORADO SPRINGS ADR SERVICES
At Peak Mediation, we understand the power of resolving disputes without ever going to the courtroom. We offer facilitated divorce and alternative dispute resolution services, such as mediation and arbitration to help our clients peacefully dissolve their marriages.
Are you considering undergoing mediation or arbitration to solve your contested divorce issues? Schedule a consultation with our court-approved mediator and arbiter today to learn more about how we can help you dissolve your marriage peacefully by calling (719) 259-5944 or contacting us online.