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Specialty tag(s): Divorce Mediation, Collaborative Divorce, Pre-Divorce Guidance, Divorce

What Are the Differences Between Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Divorce?

Sarah Aminzadeh Milinsky | March 5, 2024

Both divorce mediation and Collaborative Divorce are processes that allow couples to resolve conflicts outside of the courtroom, but there are also key differences between these options.

One of the biggest differences in divorce mediation vs. Collaborative Divorce is that in the mediation process, a neutral mediator will meet privately with each spouse and their divorce attorney, then go back and forth between them offering suggestions and guiding both parties toward an agreement. In a Collaborative Divorce, everyone is in the same room: You and your attorney, your spouse and their lawyer, and neutral professionals all gather at once to negotiate a resolution to your case.

Another key difference is that divorce mediation is often carried out more quickly, usually because both sides have already begun the litigation process and are under pressure to work out an agreement before their trial date arrives. Mediation often takes one or two very long days to conclude. In contrast, a Collaborative Divorce lacks the pressure of a court imposed deadline and usually involves shorter meetings that are spread out over the course of a few weeks, giving both sides time to prepare in between sessions.

If you’re considering either divorce mediation or a Collaborative Divorce, contact the experienced divorce lawyers at Goranson Bain Ausley today. We can guide you toward the best option for your situation and help you to achieve an agreeable outcome.