As inflation, political unrest, and multiple global conflicts continue to make headlines, couples considering divorce may feel increasingly cautious and fearful of change amidst t[i]he current economic and political volatility. Married couples weighing divorce are increasingly concerned about arriving at an agreement allowing for personal independence and financial stability. As the proverbial pie shrinks, they wonder just how large their slices will be.
During less turbulent economic times, couples may have felt more secure in the nation’s and world’s stability and less anxious about the inflationary impact on energy, food, and other costs of living. Parents of college age children may also be navigating education concerns of post-COVID “gap years.” The New England Journal of Medicine notes “One of the major impacts of COVID-19, besides health and financial situations, is that family cohesion is shaken, which can be determined by the increased rate of divorce rate, extramarital affairs, and domestic violence due to prolonged duration of lockdown against preventing COVID-19 transmission.” [1]
The complexity of these changing times influences couples’ approach as they weigh options, including “do-it-yourself” divorces and other lower-cost options. Long viewed as a cost-saving alternative, mediation continues to gain traction as not only the most cost-effective decision, but also the choice providing the best agreement for both parties.
The key question looms: “Is mediation still the most cost-effective choice?” Almost always. Couples must be certain, however, that they are confident in their chosen mediator. As with grocery brands, shoes, or car models, one size does not necessarily fit all in the mediation process. Mediation does not allow for a “cookie cutter” approach.
At the Centre for Mediation & Dispute Resolution (CMDR), it is our belief that couples facing either divorce or separation deserve an agreement addressing both their current and future needs. In the long run, although a “faster, cheaper route” may keep initial costs low, if the agreement only provides for their present day needs, the couple may well necessitate renegotiating and returns to court as they confront future conflicts.
Based on over three decades of experience, it is our belief, at CMDR, that mediation, albeit the most cost-sensitive alternative to divorcing, does require a level of anticipation of fluctuations in future circumstances. Both parties should feel assured of the agreement’s suitability for the fluid and nuanced nature of variables including the economy, job market, and expense of college down the road, to mention a few examples.
And so, we revisit the answer to the question of the most cost –effective route to divorce. It is our belief that arriving at an agreement focused on problem solving and which considers both present and future security and safety of all parties is the most sound choice. While this does not mean that the journey toward this desired outcome will be simple, all parties can rest assured that the long-term agreement will be one forged in the knowledge that the future may have in store new circumstances far different from today’s.
1 Evans ML, Lindauer M, Farrell ME. A pandemic within a pandemic—intimate partner violence during Covid-19. N Engl J Med. (2020)
