Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Methods in Omaha, Nebraska in Douglas County
Each divorce case differs from one to the next. Because marriages consist of shared finances, children, and many other areas of life, no two divorces will be completely alike. The process of disentangling two lives is complicated, particularly when the couple disagrees about how to move forward. However, when you are facing a contested divorce – one in which both spouses do not fully agree on the terms of a divorce, including property division and child custody – for any reason, going to court and submitting to a judge is not your only option.
Instead, you could pursue an alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or collaborative law. With the help of an Omaha alternative dispute resolution attorney, you can seek an alternative dispute resolution that can expedite the divorce process, save you money, and help keep the peace.
At Stange Law Firm, our Omaha divorce lawyers understand that not every couple is going to be able to agree on their own. We also know that the court system is not always the best option for those who want to avoid a lengthy and costly divorce battle. Our firm connects Omaha clients with alternative dispute resolution services like mediation. We believe every couple deserves the chance to resolve their divorce outside of court, and our attorneys will help you reach that goal.
What Is Alternative Dispute Resolution in Douglas County, Nebraska?
An alternative dispute resolution covers any method of resolving a dispute without going to court. This can include mediation and collaborative law. Many couples find that alternative dispute resolution is a more efficient and less costly way to dissolve their marriage, as it allows them to agree on their own terms without involving the court system.
What Is Mediation in Omaha?
Sometimes couples feel they are on the cusp of arriving at an uncontested divorce but need some assistance from a third-party professional to sort out the final details. This is where mediation comes in. Mediation is a type of alternative dispute resolution in which a third party who is neutral assists the divorcing couple in reaching an agreement on the terms of their divorce by mediating. The mediator does not make decisions for the couple or take sides; instead, they facilitate communication and help the couple come to an agreement on their own. Mediation is often used in cases where the divorcing couple has already come to a general agreement on their divorce but needs help sorting out the details.
What Is Collaborative Law in Douglas County?
Collaborative law is a type of alternative dispute resolution in which the divorcing couple, their attorneys, and any other necessary professionals work together to reach a mutually beneficial agreement on the terms of their divorce. The main unique aspect of collaborative law is that if the couple is unable to reach an agreement, they are required to hire new attorneys and start the divorce process over from scratch. This aspect of collaborative law encourages the couple and their attorneys to work together to reach an agreement, as they know that if they cannot do so, they will have to start the process all over again and incur the additional costs associated.
Tips For Finding Agreements in Your Divorce
While it’s true that some divorces are intensely contested and riddled with disagreement, others are better positioned to achieve mutual agreement. Here are a few tips to help you find more common ground with your spouse during divorce:
- Be respectful: Even if you don’t see eye-to-eye with your spouse, it’s important to remember that they are still a human being who deserves respect. This means no name-calling, threatening, or other disrespectful behavior.
- Communicate openly and honestly: To come to an agreement, you and your spouse need to communicate openly and honestly with each other. This means demonstrating a willingness to listen to each other’s point of view, even if you don’t agree with it.
- Be willing to compromise: In any negotiation, both parties need to give up something to reach an agreement. This means that you must be prepared to let go of some of your demands to come to an agreement.
- Be patient: The divorce process can be long and drawn out, so it’s important to be patient. This doesn’t mean that you must agree to everything; it just means that you should be prepared for a lengthy process.
- Seek professional help: If you and your spouse are having trouble reaching an agreement, it may be helpful to seek the use of a professional mediator. These professionals can help facilitate communication and lead you toward reaching a fair decision for both parties.
What Happens If We Can’t Agree?
If you and your spouse are unable to reach an agreement on the terms of your divorce, you have a few options. You can either go to court and have a judge make the decisions for you or try a different alternative dispute resolution method. Going to court is often the last resort, as it can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. However, some couples feel that after trying to negotiate on their own, they need the assistance of a judge to make the final decisions. That is the additional value that alternative dispute options can sometimes provide couples: helping to illuminate what they thought might be a simple disagreement is not always as simple as it seems and could benefit from court intervention.
Contact Stange Law Firm Today
If you are considering divorce or are in the midst of a divorce, it’s important to have an experienced Omaha alternative dispute resolution lawyer on your side who can help guide you through alternative dispute resolution processes. The attorneys at Stange Law Firm have experience with all aspects of divorce, including mediation and collaborative law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We can help you understand your options and protect your rights throughout the divorce process.
Douglas County (Omaha), Nebraska Office (402-509-1801): 9202 W. Dodge Rd., Suite 302, Omaha, Nebraska 68114
