Getting confused between the terms marriage counseling and mediation? Don’t worry, many are! This article explores the points that elaborate on the difference between the two, i.e., marriage counseling vs. mediation, and when you need one.
Before heading towards marriage counseling vs. mediation, it’s good to understand what marriage counseling and mediation mean.
Let’s discuss that in detail!
Marriage counseling
Marriage counseling helps couples resolve issues that are deteriorating their relationship. The focus is on resolving issues to get your relationship back on track. It is also called marriage therapy or couples therapy and is done by professionals.
They provide a safe environment and allow the couple to discuss what bothers both of them rather than assuming, shouting, or blaming. They simply help you in every possible way to resolve the conflicts that are affecting your relationship and can help build communication, trust, and intimacy to strengthen your relationship.
When do you need marriage counseling?
Look at the following signs that show you need marriage counseling to save your relationship:
- When you’re not able to communicate effectively with each other, shouting or remaining silent are not the appropriate ways to put up (or suppress) your point.
- When there are trust issues in your relationship.
- When you have lost the spark and intimacy in your relationship.
- When it’s difficult for you to handle the major changes (like childbirth, a new job, the death of a loved one, etc.) in your life.
- When your relationship is suffering due to your (or your partner’s) addiction.
Before moving ahead, know the difference between the two, i.e., marriage counseling vs. mediation. Let’s have a quick look at what mediation is.
Mediation (Divorce mediation)
Talking about divorce mediation, it’s the process of resolving conflicts or disputes on the terms of getting a divorce, i.e., before going to the court. If you’re not able to agree on the terms of getting a divorce, you can get the help of mediation, i.e., a neutral third party, to reach an agreement before you file for divorce. The mediators basically help you reach an agreement.
These mediators will guide you to agree on the terms of getting a divorce, but will not provide legal advice or represent you in court. If you’re sure of getting a divorce but can’t agree on the terms, then you can get the help of mediation instead of hiring an attorney. Many prefer mediation over attorneys, as they charge quite less as that of attorneys. There are many benefits to mediation, but just like any other thing, it’s not suitable for every case.
This is how marriage counseling is different from mediation in many ways.
When do you need Divorce mediation over marriage counseling?
Look at the following signs that show you may need mediation:
- When you want to get a divorce but can’t agree on the terms of it.
- When you can’t afford attorney fees, mediation is a great alternative that may help your case.
- As with hiring an attorney, your case becomes public. So when you want your case to be confidential, mediation is a great option.
- When you want to save time and lessen the harassment when getting a divorce. It’s good to get the help of a mediator to make your case uncontested.
Mediation is a great option if your case is not too complicated, but if your case is complicated, you should hire an attorney.
Marriage counseling vs. mediation
Many are confused between marriage counseling and mediation, because there may be no filing of a divorce petition in both cases. But they are quite different from each other in many aspects. To understand the difference, look at the following points:
- Marriage counseling aims to resolve relationship issues so as to keep your relationship on track. Whereas divorce mediation aims to resolve issues on the terms of getting a divorce, even before you file for it.
- Prefer marriage counseling to save your relationship. Whereas people prefer mediation to lessen harassment while getting a divorce by reaching an agreement.
- When you want to save your relationship, marriage counseling is the right choice. When you already make a decision to get a divorce but are not able to reach an agreement on your own, then mediation is the right choice.
- Marriage counseling helps the couple stay happy in a relationship once again. Whereas mediation helps you get a divorce with less harassment.
I hope this article helps clear your doubts regarding marriage counseling vs. mediation. By knowing their differences, it becomes easier for you to decide whether you should go for marriage counseling or mediation.
