Divorce can be complicated and stressful, even among North Carolina couples who are amicably separating. Divorce used to be viewed as an expensive and lengthy process, but the rise of alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation in recent years have transformed the divorce process.
Married couples who know divorce is in their best interest, but dread having a judge decide vital issues such as finances or division of property, can take advantage of Family Financial Settlement Program through the North Carolina divorce system.
The purpose of the program is to allow divorcing couples to resolve their financial and property issues without the need for court litigation. Both parties meet with a mediator, who acts as a neutral third-party, facilitating communication and offering advice and guidance, with the aim of guiding couples to solutions that are in their best interests.
Don’t be afraid to compromise
Of course, there is no guarantee that mediation will be successful. If no agreement is reached at mediation, the divorce may proceed to a trial in front of a judge, who will decide the unresolved issues.
However, parties may use the days or weeks prior to trial to continue to negotiate and may resolve the case before trial. If the mediation results in a property settlement agreement, even one that involved some compromise on both sides, both parties save time, money and stress.
Parties may participate in the program with or without an attorney. Even those without an attorney could benefit from getting advice and counsel from an experienced family law attorney before and throughout the process.
It is important to have a firm understanding of your legal rights with divorce and property division before signing a property settlement agreement, even one that was agreed upon mutually though a mediation program. This will help you avoid fear and uncertainty and gain confidence that you made the right choices with your agreement.
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