In the atmosphere of calm discussion that is encouraged, parents do not need to enlist their children as allies in their divorce. Thus, the children don't have to take sides, don't have to block horrendous fights between their parents out of their consciousness and don't have to worry about their own survival. They may not like the idea that their parents are divorcing but they aren't terrified by the idea either. The time frame is probably two or three months rather than a year or more. If the divorcing couple have already consulted their own lawyers, mediation is still possible.
Individual lawyers can be helpful during and at the end of the mediation process.
Indeed, when mediation is complete, consultation with a lawyer is necessary to make the mediated agreement legally binding. However, since the terms of the divorce agreement have been made and agreed to by the divorcing couple, this is usually little more than a simple procedure.