It is just now beginning to take hold in Illinois. People who can't talk on their own can talk in front of a mediator. I get the sense that many people think that mediation is just another form of marriage counseling. Others find out about it after their case has already gotten started and they mistakenly believe that it is too late for them to use mediation. This is because all or part of a case may be mediated, while the parties are awaiting trial.
Mediation facilitates communication and makes the negotiation process more efficient.
Mediation, by its nature, moves settlement to an earlier point. Generally, though not always, the sooner a couple begins mediation, the quicker and better it can help them. Mediation does not work for all couples. The best candidates are where both partners are cooperative and reasonably rational. Mediation is not for everyone, but it is appropriate for the majority of divorcing couples.