In order for a couple to successfully mediate the terms of their divorce, they do not have to be best friends. Marital difficulties are often accompanied by anger, distrust and a breakdown in communication between spouses. A skilled mediator can diffuse n egative feelings and help each party present their needs in a way that the other can hear and understand. This enables the parties to fashion an agreement that each party finds acceptable. Mediation does not eliminate the need for lawyers.
Mediation simply changes the role of lawyers from adversarial negotiators to legal consultants.
Throughout the mediation, parties are encouraged to consult with their own attorney if they have questions r egarding their legal rights. Parties who have not consulted with a lawyer during the process often choose to have the final agreement reviewed by their own counsel before signing it. Mediation, substantially reduces legal fees by limiting the lawyer's fun ction to reviewing the final agreement and serving as a legal consultant during the process. The Advantages Of Direct Negotiation Direct negotiation expedites the resolution of issues and often results in better long term communication between the parties. Many couples with children report that participation in mediation has improved their ability to resolve on going issues concerni ng their children after the divorce.