Connecticut residents know that divorce can be a painful and arduous process, often played out in malicious courtroom proceedings. All of this misery can be avoided, according to legal experts, if couples choose divorce mediation techniques instead of direct legal intervention.
In the wake of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' high-profile divorce, a distinct trend toward divorce mediation has been revealed. Kardashian, 31, has employed a variety of techniques to ensure that the divorce is private and civil, refusing to involve cameras or news reporters in the process. Mediation is a vital part of this plan.
Several key factors have played into this decision, according to Kardashian's close family and friends. The couple wants to shorten the divorce proceedings by using these alternative dispute resolution processes, which will help them deal with their financial situation, among other concerns. Fortunately, the couple have maintained separate bank accounts, which will make the divorce proceeding relatively simple in money-related matters. The divorce proceedings will be conducted in California, which, like Connecticut, is a no-fault divorce state.
Experts say that mediation is becoming an increasingly popular option, even among celebrities because of a variety of beneficial factors. A landmark study conducted as early as the 1990s confirms that mediation is a good decision because mediated divorces take less time than traditional divorces, post-judgment modification is rare in mediated divorces, families experience fewer emotional and financial stressors, and both partners are more likely to see the judgments as fair.
Kardashian and Humphries will still likely benefit from this approach. Humphries, for example, intends to petition against the enforcement of the prenuptial agreement, which would make him subject to a gag order, preventing him from discussing the details of his relationship with Kardashian. This subject would be easier to confront in a mediation setting, instead of in an adversarial courtroom environment.
Humphries had initially proclaimed his intention to broadcast the divorce proceedings on a television network, which prompted Kardashian to request a mediator instead. Although we cannot yet be sure how this celebrity divorce will play out, we can say that mediation would likely allow the couple much more privacy, civility and peaceful resolution than a traditional trial format.
Source: LATimes.com, "Kris Humphries targets Kim Kardashian, reality TV in divorce duel," Matt Donnelly, Feb. 8, 2012
Source: Business 2 Community, "Divorce detox: 7 tips for keeping it civil," Feb. 20, 2012
