If mediation is needed, you will meet with your lawyer and a neutral mediator who will help guide you and the other party to a resolution. Several advantages to mediation are:
It may be less stressful because the focus is on amicably resolving issues.
Future litigation is less likely when both parties agree on the issues instead of having a court decide.
The process is confidential, so any disputes over childcare and financial issues are solved in privacy and not aired in a public court proceeding.
Things to consider with regard to mediation:
Attending mediation does not guarantee that a case will settle.
A mediator does not have the authority to force disclosure of hidden assets like a court does, even if the mediator is aware of their existence.
The mediator makes suggestions and guides discussions but is not allowed to give legal advice. Attorneys are still required to advise if settlement proposals are in their client’s best interest and in line with a likely outcome in court.