How Alternative Dispute Resolution Can Save Time and Money in Divorce Cases

Most Harrisburg divorce cases are settled out of court, which means they do not require the court’s intervention. The benefits of avoiding court, in terms of time and money, are so significant that couples generally do everything they can to bypass litigation. Often, couples turn to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), such as mediation, to resolve their disputes. Alternative dispute resolution has much to recommend it. And our dedicated Harrisburg divorce attorneys at Purdy Law Office, LLC, have a wealth of experience helping clients avail themselves of the benefits.

What Alternative Dispute Resolution Entails

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) is an alternative to court, which most couples would prefer to avoid due to the associated costs and time required. ADR is legally binding only when both spouses agree to the terms negotiated. When no settlement is reached, the case is likely to go to court.

The primary forms of ADR include mediation and collaborative law. During mediation, a professional mediator serves as a neutral third party and, in the process, helps the couple build on the compromises they’ve already reached – rather than offering advice.

With collaborative law, each spouse must have their own collaborative law lawyer. And if either spouse drops out along the way, each spouse’s attorney must also walk away. This generally means starting over.

Saving Time with ADR

ADR frees you from the court’s busy schedule and can save significant time. Both mediation and collaborative law require preparation, but not as much as a court case.

ADR also allows your case to bypass procedural delays that can eat up significant time. Ultimately, choosing an alternative dispute resolution approach signals that both spouses are willing to cooperate to some extent, facilitating more streamlined negotiations. Preparing a divorce case for trial takes considerable time, but opting for ADR can speed things along.

Saving Money with ADR

To take a divorce case to court, there is a lot involved. To begin, your attorney must be extremely well prepared to guide your case through the challenging legal process while protecting your rights, all in the context of the court’s requirements. This is in addition to issues related to the following, which are more common when a case is litigated:

• Discovery
• Pretrial motions
• Pretrial hearings

This results in higher legal costs. In divorce cases, time is money, and ADR can help limit both.

You Need Our Experienced Harrisburg Divorce Lawyers in Your Corner

At Purdy Law Office, our Harrisburg divorce attorneys will work hard to guide your case toward the best outcome, helping you avoid unnecessary expense and wasted time. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us onlineor calling 717-674-2885 today.