• 13
  • July
    2011

It seems younger people in Denver and elsewhere have learned from the example of their parents' generation, at least when it comes to divorce. Generally speaking, divorce is now much less the stigmatized and traumatic process that it was in the past. Still, many of today's twenty-and thirty-somethings have bad memories of their parents' acrimonious divorces. Thus, when they decide to separate, younger couples are increasingly turning to other means, like divorce mediation, so their children are not left with similar bad recollections.

Divorce mediation, in general terms, is a process meant to sidestep the contentiousness and possible expense of traditional divorce litigation. In divorce mediation, a professional mediator - often an attorney - works with both members of a couple to try to reach an outcome that is fair and leaves both sides happy.

Divorce mediation is gaining popularity among so-called Generation X couples because it is often less expensive and is sometimes easier than a traditional divorce. Generation X couples also had different ideas about marriage than their parents did - they tended to get married later, for example, and more women work outside the home than in generations past - so their ideas about separation are different, too.

Many divorce mediation advocates say the process is easier on families. Since it results in fewer bad feelings, it is easier for parents to share custody and is a less of a strain on children. If you think you might be interested in divorce mediation, check with a legal organization to see if there is a divorce mediation specialist in your area. A consultation with this person will tell you more about whether this process is right for you.

Source: The Week Magazine, "Divorce, Generation-X style," 11 July 2011.