subject: Other Ways to Settle Issues During Divorce [print this page] Handling the divorce process can be quite stressful for couples and their families. Both parties try their very best to settle the disputes, but unfortunately, some cases cannot be straightened out after months or even years of negotiations, conferences and court motions. In order to lessen the hassle, judges commonly try to resolve cases before the trial date. In the circumstance that issues are not resolved by the parties, other ways of settling the case are encouraged.
A hearing is usually chosen in certain kinds of disputes. In this process, one is not entitled to have a jury. Judges usually conduct and settle the cases and issues tackled during a hearing. An example of a case where this can be used is when you want to have a change in the child support. This may be either an increase or a decrease in child support.
Arbitration is another option instead of a trial. This settles disagreements in a quicker and cheaper way. Like hearings, juries are not involved in this process. Arbitrators are not that strict in settling issues, and they do not generally follow rules of evidence.
Another cheaper alternative is mediation. This is an informal process and disputes are settled outside the courtroom. Mediation is basically a voluntary process making both parties agree to meet. A third party, also called a mediator, helps the couple clear up the disputes and also tries to clarify the position of both involved. Mediators also suggests solutions to help walk the couple through the negotiation process.
The oldest way of settling arguments is by negotiation. Couples typically sits down and talk to come up in one agreement. This typically doesn't work without a mediator, since the reason most issues go to court are due to disagreements.
