Getting to the Table

Although a “Kitchen Table Agreement” is the best way to decide on what works best for you and your family, this should only be the framework of your Agreement. As most people find it difficult to navigate through the required legal documents and divorce laws, it is important to talk to a professional to make sure the terms of your Agreement will be upheld in court, if challenged, at a later date.

For example, we have seen many self-made Agreements in which the parties agree to waive child support. However, child support is the right of the child and a parent/parents cannot waive their right to this. If the Agreement was challenged in court, a large arrears payment may be ordered.

Mediation, however, is a great alternative to help you to discuss the terms of your separation.

Divorce Mediators are trained in family law issues and can help you make decisions that will protect you in the future. It may seem easier to let a lawyer handle the negotiations through a legal battle and let a judge make your decisions for you, however, going through lawyers and the court system will actually be more stressful, will certainly increase your conflict, will be far more expensive, and will take much, much longer than going through mediation.

Litigation is ideal for extremely high conflict couples, parties with a history of domestic violence or parties that are hiding assets. It is by far the most stressful, expensive and time-consuming option of the three. Because each issue often leads to more conflict, litigation typically last for years because of ongoing arguments between parties. As the conflict drags on, the lawyers continuously bill for their services. Parties who litigate almost always find themselves back in court months after an order has been made by a judge, since the order usually does not work for the couple, or their family. The conflict continues.