Filing for divorce can be an emotional process to initiate and progress through. Nevertheless, divorcing couples in Illinois may still believe that divorce is in their best interests. Therefore, they will endure the ups and downs of the divorce process. Because litigation is often looked at as an emotional, lengthy and costly process, some divorcing couples seek alternative methods when reaching a divorce settlement.

While litigation is a viable option when finalizing a divorce, this is not the only way to obtain a fair and workable divorce decree. In fact, settling out of court not only helps a couple save money in most cases, it also has the tendency of arriving at a quicker resolution.

Alternative dispute resolutions, such as negotiation, mediation, collaboration and arbitration, are all valid and effective ways to achieve a divorce. These methods rely on formal negotiations first. The focus remains on the divorce issues of that particular couples, helping them resolve each one in a fair and timely manner.

In some cases, certain divorce issues just cannot be agreed upon. In these matters, a couple can transition to court to settle on those matters. Anything decided on during an alternative dispute resolution method will remain, even if litigation is the method used to finally reach a divorce settlement.

No matter what divorce method or methods you use, there are options for each and every couple. There is no one size fits all divorce; thus, it is important that divorcing couples are aware of the legal options available to them. This can help them protect their rights as they move forward with the divorce process.

Source: FindLaw, “Settlement Agreements and Court Approval,” accessed May 28, 2017