While some divorces can still get pretty heated, most states have implemented new alternatives to ease the strain that divorce puts on the family unit.

Processes such as mediation and collaborative divorce allow the divorcing parties to handle common divorce issues such as property distribution and custody battles outside of the courtroom, using an impartial third-party.

These alternative solutions strive to minimize disruption of the family unit and because of their wide-spread success, are becoming much more popular across the country. In fact, some states now require that the parties submit to an alternative solution before the court will even hear the complaint.