{"id":351742,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/divorce-mediation-overview.html"},"modified":"2023-06-28T11:22:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-28T16:22:00","slug":"divorce-mediation-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/divorce-mediation-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"Divorce Mediation – Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Divorce Mediation – Overview<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Mediation is an alternative to divorce litigation. In divorce mediation, a neutral third-party mediator helps a divorcing couple resolve their difference without extensive litigation. This creative problem-solving approach gives spouses more control over their divorce outcomes.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Divorcing couples have to file a lawsuit to dissolve a marriage. However, following the traditional litigation path is no longer necessary to work out the divorce terms. Today, many couples are turning to mediation to resolve their disputes.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

The couple negotiates the terms of their divorce<\/a>, not their lawyers and a judge. Mediation is also cost-effective, and you can avoid going to family court.<\/p>\r\n

Below is an explanation of divorce mediation and how it’s conducted.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Divorce Mediation?<\/h2>\r\n

Divorce mediation is the legal process of negotiating terms to end a marriage. Divorcing spouses privately agree to property division and other issues. This is known as an uncontested divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Mediation works by enlisting a neutral mediator who facilitates communication between parties. The mediator’s job is to promote compromise and understanding to reach a fair settlement.<\/p>\r\n

The mediation process puts decision-making control in your own hands. Unlike a judge or arbitrator, the mediator does not make decisions for you. They are facilitators who help both parties find common ground as they create a mediation agreement.<\/p>\r\n

Goals of Divorce Mediation<\/h3>\r\n

Whether mediation is agreed to by the parties or court-ordered, the goal of the mediation process in divorce is to:<\/p>\r\n