Ohio couples may end their marriages through mediation
Divorce involves filing a civil action through which spouses turn to the courts to dissolve their marriages. The Ohio State Bar Association’s website notes that a court’s final decree reflects the division of property. In some cases, a court may also order spousal support and finalize the custody decisions regarding a couple’s children.
Mediation, on the other hand, offers spouses an opportunity to end their marriages through a fair and collaborative process. As described by Forbes, mediation involves a neutral third party who helps spouses focus on their desired outcomes.
Mediation and divorce reflect different approaches to ending a marriage
Mediation allows spouses to discuss their wishes regarding which assets to divide and who may obtain custody of their children. Parents, for example, may express their concerns over child custody and visitation schedules without facing an adverse legal team.
While divorce requires court appearances and keeping to strict deadlines, mediation provides leeway in timing. With mediation, the process may progress quicker than a typical court procedure; spouses could begin their separate lives sooner. Couples may also take as long as they need when meeting with a mediator; the goal is for all parties to reach a fair agreement.
Mediation facilitates Ohio’s divorce laws
A mediator could guide spouses through property division and child custody matters. As noted by SmartAsset. Ohio does not have a set guideline to follow when creating a support schedule. Parents may create their own child or spousal support payment plans without the court’s interference. Couples may, for example, discuss how to split the costs of their children’s education and health care expenses.
After reaching a fair agreement, spouses present their prepared settlement plans to a judge to review and approve. Mediation may provide a custom approach to a final divorce decree that benefits both spouses.