Post-divorce conflict, with potential litigation and additional costs, is less likely to occur. Mediation is faster than litigation. Mediation is generally less expensive than litigation. The parties can discuss emotional issues and have those issues considered in making their decisions. The parties can use their improved communication skills and enhanced understanding of each other's concerns to reduce stress in post-divorce dealings.
Children benefit from reduced tension and hostility between parents both during and after divorce.
The mediator drafts an agreement detailing the parties' decisions. The agreement is reviewed by an attorney for each party. The agreement is then submitted to the court for approval and becomes the basis of the final divorce judgment. Although the mediator does not act as an attorney for either spouse in the court process, the mediator can prepare court documents for the spouses' signatures. The spouses also may complete the documents themselves or hire attorneys to complete them.