Mediation may benefit many couples going through a divorce

Couples who are ending their marriage have alternative options to a battle in court. Mediation has gained in popularity over the years, and it can be very beneficial for many couples.

Litigation may still be the preferred method for some people, especially those who are unwilling to negotiate. However, mediation provides a much less stressful environment for divorcing partners to work together and compromise.

How mediation works

According to FindLaw, a mediator, who is a neutral third party, leads the mediation. This individual guides conversations between the two partners and helps them come up with a fair and equitable divorce agreement. Mediation encourages open communication and allows both sides to express their wants. If there are disagreements, the mediator has the skills to help come up with inventive solutions.

Although each side does not have to necessarily get along, mediation works the best when the soon-to-be exes can tolerate each other and communicate. Mediation often takes place over a series of sessions, and each side should prepare the necessary documents as well as think about what is really important to them and what they are willing to negotiate.

Benefits of mediation

Many people choose mediation because it costs much less than litigation, and it is a quicker process as well. It also tends to be a less stressful process, and when child custody is a factor, each parent has the space to consider what is really best for the child.

According to the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation, couples who go through mediation also report having higher-quality agreements. Mediation allows the couple to have more control over the outcome. Couples who try mediation also tend to communicate better after the divorce and are able to co-parent more successfully.