Legal professionals in Austin specializing in divorce cases utilize a process where a neutral third party helps resolve disputes outside of court. This individual facilitates discussions and renders a decision, which can be binding or non-binding, depending on the agreement of the divorcing parties. For example, a couple disputing the division of marital assets might engage such a professional to avoid a potentially lengthy and costly trial.
Employing this method offers several advantages, including increased privacy, as proceedings are confidential. It can also be more efficient and less adversarial than traditional litigation, potentially preserving a more amicable relationship between the parties, especially crucial when children are involved. Historically, this method has become increasingly popular as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, offering greater control and flexibility compared to court-mandated rulings.