When considering a contested divorce, one of the most important things to consider is how to handle the settlement privately. This is where mediation comes in. A mediator can help you and your spouse privately settle any contested matters and keep all proceedings confidential. In this blog post, we will discuss how mediation works and why it can be a great option for those looking to keep their divorce private.
Maintaining Your Privacy
The first thing to understand is that mediation is a confidential process. This means that anything said during mediation sessions cannot be used against either party in court. This confidentiality also extends to any records or documents created during mediation. So, if you and your spouse can reach an agreement through mediation, the details of that agreement will remain private and can help you stay out of the public eye.
If you wish to handle your divorce discreetly, mediation can help you create agreements and flexibly work with your spouse without your proposed agreements leaking to the outside world. In mediation, you and your spouse will be able to confidentially discuss the terms of your divorce and work together to come up with solutions that work for both of you.
What About My Divorce Records?
As your mediation sessions are a confidential process, your divorce decree will be considered private records, as they are considered vital records in Colorado. Your divorce decree is the document that officially ends your marriage. This will list any agreements that you and your spouse made during mediation, such as child custody arrangements or the division of property.
Vital records can only be released to eligible parties, which often includes the individuals involved in the divorce and their attorneys. However, a divorce can be verified by the county district court that had jurisdiction over the divorce. Verification will only include the divorcing couple’s names, the date of divorce, and the county in which the divorce took place.
While your divorce decree will remain private after your divorce, mediation can still help you minimize the publicity of your divorce by allowing you and your spouse to reach an agreement without going to court. If you are looking for a discreet way to handle your contested divorce, mediation may be the right option for you.
Why Choose Mediation?
There are many reasons why mediation can be a great option for those looking to keep their divorce private.
Expediency
First, mediation is typically much faster than going to court. This means that you and your spouse can resolve your differences and move on with your lives without having to go through a lengthy and public divorce trial. The expediency allowed in court also provides a shorter timeframe for the divorce, helping couples peacefully move forward to their next chapters.
Cost Effective
Mediation is also typically much less expensive than court, which can be a big relief for couples already dealing with the financial stress of a divorce. By helping the divorcing couple spend less on their divorce, mediation can help them prepare financially for their future and limit conflict when dividing their shared assets.
Flexibility
Finally, mediation provides an opportunity for you and your spouse to reach an agreement that is tailored to your specific needs and interests. This can be especially important for couples who have children and wish to ensure their child custody and support agreements are in the child's best interests. This can also help couples keep their initial discussions private regarding their contested issues, so they can choose an alternative that best suits their family’s needs.
Alternate Paths to Divorce
Divorce can be a stressful, emotionally draining period of your life — but it doesn’t have to be! Our court-approved mediator can help you seek a peaceful and private end to your marriage, keeping your contested issues out of the public eye.
Are you seeking a private end to your marriage? Schedule a consultation
with our mediator today to learn more about how mediation can benefit your family. Call us at (719) 259-5944 to get started.
