In theory, everyone wants an uncontested divorce. In reality, that may not be so easy to achieve.

The most common means to an uncontested divorce is a process called mediation.

Here in Palm Beach County, Florida, mediation is mandatory before trial. Even in counties where mediation is not mandatory, court-ordered mediation is routine.

So what is mediation?

Mediation is a negotiation, facilitated by a neutral mediator with training in amicable dispute resolution.

Mediation can save spouses money and hostility, and allows them the flexibility to fashion an outcome where each spouse can be happy with at least part of it. After a trial, a judge dictates the outcome to both spouses.

Mediation is most effective and most likely to result in an uncontested divorce where both spouses are relatively reasonable and realistic as to the range of likely outcomes at a trial.

In some circumstances, such as where there is a history of domestic violence, mediation goes best by assigning the spouses to different rooms and having the mediator travel between them. Slower, but safer and less inflammatory.

Read more in this Pioneer Press – Vernon Hills [IL] Review article: Mediators offer alternative approach to divorce