Kitchen Table to Courthouse

Did you know there are lots of ways to handle divorce issues? From heart-to-heart kitchen table discussions to full-blown courtroom trials, the options are plenty! In fact, most divorce cases are resolved without ever stepping foot in a courtroom or facing a judge. But how do you figure out which route is best for you? Let's dive into the possibilities!

Kitchen Table. A kitchen table agreement is when a couple sits down together—usually over coffee—and works out the details of their divorce, like asset division and custody, without the courtroom drama. Here, the parties are in charge, making it a more relaxed, DIY approach, as long as both are on the same page! While attorney involvement isn't mandatory, it's recommended to have one review your documents to ensure you've covered all the important details.

Mediation. Mediation in a divorce without attorneys is when a neutral third party helps the couple sort things out and find solutions together—again no courtroom drama needed! Mediators often recommend having an attorney review the agreement to make sure everything’s in order, even though an attorney isn’t required for the process. It’s a great way to keep things more civil, less stressful, and often more affordable than going to court.

Collaborative Mediation. Collaborative divorce mediation is like a team effort where both parties, their attorneys, and a neutral mediator work together to hash out the details of the divorce without... you guessed it... stepping foot in a courtroom. Everyone is committed to keeping things friendly and cooperative, with the mediator guiding the talks and the attorneys offering legal advice to make sure everything’s fair and official. It’s a way to find solutions that work for both sides, especially when kids are part of the picture!

Collaborative Practice. Collaborative divorce is a process where both spouses, along with their attorneys, work together with a team of professionals to settle their divorce outside of court. The couple and their lawyers meet in a series of collaborative meetings, focusing on finding solutions that work for everyone. It’s all about reducing conflict, and focused on finding the best outcome without going to court.

Settlement Agreements. In a litigated divorce, both parties are required to try mediation or attend a settlement conference before going to trial, after they've had the chance to consult with their own experts. Mediation involves a neutral mediator helping the couple work through issues like custody or asset division. While the mediator may suggest solutions based on what a court could decide, the process still allows for creative solutions that can be tailored to the couple’s unique situation, often leading to a resolution without the need for a trial.

Court. A trial in a divorce is the formal court process where a judge makes the final decisions on issues like property division, child custody, and spousal support, after hearing arguments and evidence from both parties. During the trial, each spouse presents their case, but unlike mediation or settlement discussions, the couple has no say in the final outcome—this is entirely up to the judge. In other words, the parties lose all control over the process because the judge's decision is binding and based on the law, not necessarily on what the couple might have wanted or agreed upon.

All of this can definitely feel a bit overwhelming! Let’s set up a consultation to chat about which option is the best fit for you.