Watch Out for Do-It-Yourself Divorce
Divorce Mediator Cautions against “Do-it-Yourself Divorce”
Saving Money May Cost You More Later Says A Fair Way Mediation Center’s Rich Gordon
SAN DIEGO (May 6, 2009) – A Fair Way Mediation Center, a San Diego mediation center specializing in offering divorcing couples a way to save money by staying out of court, has cautioned against DIY divorces. “’Do-it-yourself’ divorces may seem like a good idea at first,” says Rich Gordon, M.A., J.D., principal at A Fair Way Mediation Center . “But in the long run, couples may not get their fare share and run into legal issues that will make their divorce more costly in the end.”
“As of late we’ve seen a growing number of inquiries from people who want to embark in this process on their own,” he says. “One wife practically gave away her family inheritance because she thought her spouse was entitled to half of everything. Another father created a situation where the wife thought her only solution was to “kidnap” her child. With complicated issues in uncertain economic times, people frequently don’t understand how the law can protect both parties now and in the future should their fiscal picture change.”
Gordon says even with both members of the couple willing to participate in the divorce process, there is a better chance of a successful outcome with a third party, neutral mediator as a guide. Couples can still avoid heavy legal fees normally involved with lawyers because costs are usually lower and clients can “pay as they go,” letting them proceed with the divorce at the same pace as finances allow. With a professional in charge, divorcing couples can avoid the pitfalls of emotional decisions when it comes to resolving issues such as child custody, parental visitation, and division of property, retirement and health benefits.
A www.AFairWay.com couples beginning the process may explore their initial options in privacy. “We know divorce poses difficult dilemmas and our web site begins to answer those sticky initial questions. We encourage people to visit AFairWay.com on line and then call or email us.”
A Fair Way Mediation may be contacted directly at www.afairway.com or by calling 619-702-9174. The offices are located in downtown San Diego , One America Plaza , 600 W. Broadway, San Diego , CA 92101 .
Tags: divorce, divorce mediation, mediation, mediator