Since mediation is much less time-consuming and costly than going to trial, it is worth trying, even if you and your spouse have serious issues that need to be resolved, and you harbor ill feelings towards one another. However, there are certain situations where mediation is not recommended, including:nYou are the survivor of domestic abuse, or you fear for the safety of your children. Mediation is not recommended if your spouse is or has been physically or emotionally abusive towards you or your children. Mediation can be traumatic for survivors of abuse. Some mediators will not take cases that involve domestic violence of any kind.