Divorce Mediator VS Lawyer Differences

An attorney is only allowed to represent and advocate for one spouse in court, vs a mediator works with both parties to help them reach a negotiated divorce agreement out-of-court. Lawyers can give legal advice, mediators can’t.

Divorce Mediation (Mediator)

Divorce mediation is a common way to negotiate an out-of-court settlement between you and your spouse. In divorce mediation, you and your soon to be ex-spouse hire a neutral third party known as a mediator. The purpose of mediation is to help both of you identify and resolve divorce issues. Divorce mediation can be used to address a wide range of topics including but not limited to parenting plans, child support, custody arrangements, and division of assets.

Divorce mediation can be used to address a wide range of topics including but not limited to parenting plans, child support, custody arrangements, and division of assets.

According to BestLegalChoices, “Many people choose mediation for the very reason that the parties are not required to be represented by counsel in order to participate.”

Divorce mediation pros and advantages include:

• You have more control over the divorce timeline
• More affordable than a litigated divorce
• Don’t need attorneys
• Promotes communication between spouses
• Reduce the likelihood of post-divorce litigation
• No battling it out in court
• Healthier divorce for children

Divorce mediation cons and disadvantages include:

• A divorce mediator can’t give legal advice
• No attorney to look out for your best interest
• No one to review the divorce agreement
• Either spouse can withdrawal from divorce mediation at any time
• Doesn’t work for cases involving drugs or domestic violence

Divorce Attorney (Lawyer)

When you and your soon to be ex-spouse cannot negotiate a divorce agreement on your own, lawyers must get involved.

According to DivorceMag, “Divorce litigation is a method of divorce dispute resolution. This process involves submitting issues to family court in order to resolve them. Families will often choose litigation if they cannot reach an agreement through other divorce options.”

Divorce litigation pros and advantages include:

• Results whether your spouse participates or not
• Can subpoena your spouse for financial records
• Works in cases involving drugs and domestic violence

Divorce litigation cons and disadvantages include:

• Cost more than any other kind of divorce
• Takes longer than most kinds of divorce
• Less control over the process
• Judge makes the final decision
• Not private

Speak with Our Divorce Lawyers & Mediators in Phoenix, Arizona Today

Regardless of the choice you make, it’s important you make the best choice for you when hiring a divorce mediator or divorce attorney. Remember: The decisions you make now can affect your future. Ultimately, choosing the best lawyer will depend on which lawyer feels best for you and your situation. Let us show you how to end your marriage today without ending your family.

Ogborne Law can help with divorce in Phoenix, Arizona, and surrounding areas. Our law office is located at 5020 E Shea Blvd Suite 240, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 inside the Paradise Valley Plaza.