Regardless of the nature of the disagreement, mediation is an effective tool to resolve disputes and end conflict. Divorce mediation can make the process of ending a marriage far less painful, less anxiety provoking, and generally takes less time and less expense than drawn out litigated cases. It enables spouses to build relationships as co-parents so that future issues can be addressed in a productive and gentler way. Even among prevously divorced families, mediation can be used to re-examine and update parenting plans as children and families grow.

Betsy Ross, LICSW of Divorce Mediation Strategies: 4 hours of divorce mediation (includes two 1-hour individual intake sessions and a 2-hour mediation session).