Couples who enjoy financial security during marriage often face very complex and contentious divorces. Both spouses may worry about preserving certain resources, limiting ongoing financial liability and maintaining a certain standard of living.
As the marital estate grows larger and more complex, there are more opportunities for misconduct. There are also more reasons to avoid a litigated divorce if possible. People preparing for high-asset divorces may find that divorce mediation could be the best option available to them.
How mediation benefits high-asset couples
There are multiple reasons why couples with complex, valuable assets may benefit more from mediation than litigation. The first is the ability to retain control over the outcome.
The spouses can set property division terms that are reasonable given the contributions that each spouse made to the marriage, the reason for the divorce and other unique details that can be difficult to convey in family court. Someone hoping to preserve a business or professional practice may find that mediation is useful for achieving that goal.
Mediation is also a more private process than litigation. Spouses do not have to make formal financial disclosures, which can lead to public awareness of the extent of their assets. The confidentiality of mediation is often protective for those in high-asset marriages.
Additionally, couples may appreciate how mediation can reduce the delays and expenses associated with litigation. Spouses may be able to reduce divorce costs and possibly speed up the process by settling matters amicably through mediation and pursuing an uncontested divorce filing.
Considering alternatives to litigation can be beneficial for people in an assortment of different challenging marital circumstances. Complex marital estates are among the top reasons for spouses to consider mediation instead of litigation in family court.
