Absolute structure eliminates much of the conflict mill's grist. Finely tuned details provide the tools for breaking the fruitless cycle of child-unfriendly conflict. Any plan, however, must never compromise the physical safety of a family member. In a few cases, victimization is inevitable, and an absolute severance of all contact is required. Nonetheless, for the vast majority of cases, the mediation process holds immense promise.
Mediation places people in control of their lives.
It benefits the children by lessening conflict and helping parents be better role models. It is speedier and less costly than litigation. It promises absolute confidentiality and thus avoids public airing of personal problems. Parents are obligated to cooperate, but this cooperation does not require maintaining painful or dysfunctional relationships. On the contrary, the skillful tools of a mediator can transform conflict into enduring, solid, business-like cooperation.