It benefits children and others by reducing conflict. Perhaps the most important benefit of mediation is that the process only takes place with both persons present where they are able to work through differences and come to an agreements together. This by itself often keeps the relationship from being totally destroyed. As with most conflict resolution, sooner is better in order to preserve the relationship. The goal of mediation is a settlement that each person understands, that considers the interests of all family members, and that will be lasting because the people involved are responsible for it.
Successful mediation can make for peaceful endings.