In the movies there is always a lot of courtroom drama and passionate argument between one divorce attorney and another, because it makes for better entertainment. For the same reason, the movies often portray divorce between a bitter and deeply divided couple that refuses to agree on anything, right down to who keeps the candlesticks. All of this drama is great for the big screen and Wednesday night television, but in most instances it is far from real life.
Realities of Divorce
For most couples there are a lot of emotions, including sadness and hurt feelings, which come from filing for divorce. There can be a sense of failure or even heartbreak when the partnership disintegrates. Particularly when children are involved, these emotions are high and the parties are vulnerable to making decisions based on these emotions instead of common sense and practicality. Likely, this is where the drama of films originates.
However, when it comes to the actual divorce proceedings, these feelings are navigated and rationalized by an attorney. The theatrical nature of the films is rarely replicated in real life.
Avoiding the Courtroom Showdown
Even the most contentious divorces can be finalized outside a courtroom. Forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, offer opportunities to settle a divorce without the steep costs of going to court. For this reason, a divorce attorney in Scranton, PA is likely to recommend mediation as a possibility early in the proceedings. Many couples see the value of mediation when the lengthy process of a court ordered divorce is explained.
Mediation offers more than a cost effective resolution. It also allows the couples to separate and divide assets without the adversity of a courtroom. As mediation promotes compromise and cooperative negotiation, the parties can walk away from the proceedings with more respect and understanding for one another.
