Going to court should always be the last alternative.

Trials are expensive, time consuming and unpredictable. Having a judge decide the divorce issues often results in neither party being happy with the result. But many couples cannot reach a settlement on their own. Divorce in Missouri dedicates two chapters to explaining how Mediation and Collaborative Divorce can help find a satisfactory settlement outside of the courtroom.

Mediation has been used for many years to help divorcing parties.

The mediator cannot impose an agreement. However, through a variety of methods, the mediator can lead the couple to a settlement that is satisfactory to both sides.

Collaborative Divorce is a relatively new approach to reaching a settlement.

Missouri has three organizations dedicated to spreading the use of this dispute resolution method. While lawyers are used by both sides, everyone is committed to working together towards the goal of reaching a satisfying settlement.