Mediators even talk about how to tell children about the divorce and how both parents want to handle introducing future significant others to their children. The mediation process is designed to alter communication so that future interactions, particularly those that involve children, can be handled by the couple without the need of the mediator. The amount of time it takes to cover all of the issues of a divorcing couple will vary with the circumstances. A matter for a couple married a short time with no children and few assets can be completed in a couple of hours. Similarly, the matter of a couple married a long time with grown children and an asset situation that is not complex can be completed quickly.
Matters involving parenting issues take longer, usually six to twelve sessions.
One of the factors that determines the length of a mediation is the couple's dynamics. Couples should not be discouraged if they think they will disagree on every issue. They may be pleasantly surprised at how close they are to agreeing on many points. In schools, students benefit from peer mediation programs which lead to constructive problem solving. While most cases can be mediated, even if the litigation process has begun, there are some cases that are challenging to mediate.