Start with the level of conflict
Some families can exchange information and negotiate directly with professional help. Others have major trust, safety, or financial-disclosure issues that make a more formal process necessary.
Think about decision-making style
Mediation and collaborative approaches generally require both sides to participate meaningfully in problem-solving. Litigation places more disputed decisions into formal court procedures.
Compare privacy, pace, and structure
Different processes create different timelines and communication styles. Ask how documents are exchanged, how experts are used, and what happens if negotiations fail.
Do not choose solely based on cost
A process that looks cheaper at the beginning may not be the best fit if the parties cannot exchange reliable information or resolve key issues. Fit matters more than a slogan.
Ask what can be mixed
Many cases use negotiation for some issues and court hearings for others. The process does not always have to be all-or-nothing.