Many people don’t realize that at the end of a divorce (one using attorneys), everything that came out in the divorce becomes public record–financial statements, debts, accusations of cheating, molestation, addictions. Making matters worse, nothing is private. Anyone can read the sordid details. This is not the case when couples use mediation to divorce as you will read shortly.
While the lack of privacy may not seem like an issue now, down the road it could be.For example, anyone who has romantic interest in you will be able to go down to the Court and request your records.
if there are issues with co-parenting and baseless calls are made to child protective services, your divorce file is surely to be a document that will be reviewed by CPS! Or your future mate may be interested to learn about whom he or she is dating and realize she can grab your divorce file to learn about your behavior with your previous mate. We all know that divorce is a stressful time and a time when you are not on your best behavior, so to keep your private life private – avoid litigation!
At the end of the divorce mediation process, the only document made public is your Marital Settlement Agreement. This document sets forth the final agreements made within mediation–how much support will be paid, co-parenting arrangements, visitation schedules, who gets the pet, and so on. Though still personal, it is minor compared to what is revealed at the conclusion of a litigated divorce. The courts guarantee confidentiality for those using mediation. The goal is to encourage people to agree on their own without clogging the courts with their fighting.
For more information about Divorce-Mediation