In those cases, a divorce can become final in a shorter period of time. Couples who work out their differences, can appear before a judge for a final hearing with a suggested settlement. This can be done by preparing a written settlement agreement and filing it with the court or by going through mediation and reaching an agreement. Mediation is a procedure to assist you and your spouse in working out an arrangement for reaching agreement without a long, drawn out process. Its purpose is not to save a marriage, but to help divorcing couples reach a solution to their problems and arrive at agreeable terms for handling their marriage dissolution.
Many counties have mediation procedures available.
Finally, if a couple cannot reach a settlement, the couple may be required to appear before a judge or general master to resolve these matters. At this trial, both sides must present their witnesses and submit any proof or evidence to the judge to support their case or to challenge the other sides case. The judge makes the final decision on such contested issues. The dissolution process is designed to make the divorce as fair as possible to both husband and wife. This usually means negotiation and compromise by both partners.