Knowing about mediation and other forms of arbitration

Couples whose marriages are ending usually have been through enough. The last thing most San Francisco couples who are heading for a divorce want is more anguish. An ideal solution to quell the emotional fires might be to consider the mediation process. 

3 types of dispute resolution 

In addition to mediation, there are two other forms of dispute resolution: arbitration and litigation. Choosing the right avenue may be confusing to some couples, so clarifying what each means may be helpful. If a couple and their independent legal teams fail to come to a resolution in a divorce situation, there are these other avenues.  

Mediation and arbitration 

In mediation, the soon-to-be former couples comes to decisions on their own with the neutral help of a third party. During these mediation sessions, the individuals can make their feelings known and explore their objections and come to a sustainable, voluntary but nonbinding resolutions. Arbitration, on the other hand, has a third party who acts as a judge to resolve disputes. What an arbitrator decides is binding, confidential and cannot be appealed. 

The third and most familiar and costly method of arbitration is litigation — going to court in front of a judge or a judge and a jury. This method can be very costly and time-consuming, but may be necessary. In any case, obtaining legal advice from a San Francisco family law attorney on whether mediation, arbitration or litigation is the way to move forward in a divorce, may be the wisest thing to do.