Such an agreement is necessary for the spouses to feel free to talk about all aspects of their relationship without fear of legal action against them for such disclosures. Commitment - Successful mediation is more likely to result when the spouses are committed to the basic premise that they will work toward a resolution of their disagreements, that they will focus on issues rather than attack each other, and that they will not interrupt each other. Mediation is not for everyone. Spouses who want to punish each other, who think that their lawyer can get them a better deal, or who have been abused in the marriage should not become involved in mediation. The number of appointments will depend on the number of issues the spouses need to negotiate and the degree to which they are willing to compromise.
Some spouses prefer for their respective attorneys to look over the final document before signing.
Some mediators are also attorneys. When the document becomes legal, support payments, custody, and visitation can always be changed by mutual agreement or by going to court. In some cases the children may be involved in the earlier sessions to provide input into the agreements which will affect their lives. While children may be involved in mediation, this is rare. In this way, the divorcing couple experience a gender balance.