Divorce mediation is an alternative to the adversarial approach. It is a process by which the spouses negotiate a settlement with the assistance of a neutral third party. This neutral person, the mediator, will work with both of you without representing one spouse or another. Whereas in a courtroom, the judge has the ultimate authority to decide, a mediator will not make decisions for you. You and your spouse will communicate directly with one another and negotiate a settlement that suits both your needs. Mediation allows you to remain in control of your divorce, and it can save you money by eliminating lawyers' fees and trial costs. It is usually quicker than other methods of divorce (court trials or negotiation through lawyers.) You can choose to mediate all aspects of your divorce or to only mediate certain issues, leaving others to be resolved by lawyers or the court. And mediation is voluntary and legally non-binding so if mediation is not successful, you can still take your case to court.

Is mediation right for you?
Mediation is a good approach for some couples but may not be right for everyone. There are some factors you should consider before making a decision about whether to mediate. In general, mediation may be a good option for you if the following conditions apply:

• Your divorce is a mutual decision that you've both accepted.
• Neither spouse is insistent upon a reconciliation.
• Both spouses can understand the basics of the financial situation.
• There are no issues of alcohol abuse, drug addiction, or domestic violence in your relationship.
• Both spouses are