You are unable to spend thousands of dollars in court costs and lawyers fees. You want to maintain some control and dignity during a very difficult time . During a separation your self-esteem can get pretty battered. Mediation, on the other hand, rests on the premise that each person has legitimate concerns. If you are still are unsure which way to proceed, consider consulting with both a mediator and an attorney.
Some professionals offer free initial consultations.
Ask questions about the procedure, time frame, costs, payment method, the percentage of cases they successfully settle, other consultants you would need. Remember that you can stop mediation at any time and hire a lawyer to litigate. Or, if you ve started working with a lawyer, you can shift to mediation, then return to a lawyer for legal advice and to file your mediated agreement with the court.