For example, in a child visitation dispute, Mom, the primary caretaker, wants Dad to pick their children up after school every day and spend time with them. Dad cannot fit this into his work schedule. He suggests that he see the children for their occasional after-school games and maybe dinner once or twice a week. Mom and Dad want different things. When both spouses can agree on similar needs, an agreement soon follows.
Mediation is a safe forum in which spouses can vent their emotions .
Often, mediation is the first opportunity each spouse has to fully explain his or her story and, in turn, truly listen to the other person's side. Spouses usually need to say how hurt they are and how wronged they feel before they can truly begin the process of dissolving their marriage. Mediation allows them to display anger in a controlled forum with a neutral third person present. However, if one or both so stuck in their anger or hurt that communication is non-existent, mediation must be terminated. And, if the anger escalates and leads to physical and emotional abuse, the mediator can and will end the mediation.