The process involves a trained, neutral third party facilitating communication and negotiation between divorcing individuals in a specific Pennsylvania locale. It offers an alternative to traditional litigation, aiming to help parties reach mutually agreeable resolutions regarding issues such as property division, child custody, and spousal support. For example, instead of a judge deciding these matters, the participants work together with the mediator to create a settlement that addresses their respective needs and concerns.
This approach to resolving marital dissolution can provide several advantages. It often proves less adversarial and more cost-effective than courtroom battles. Moreover, because the parties themselves are directly involved in crafting the settlement, it may lead to greater satisfaction and compliance with the final agreement. The process also offers increased privacy compared to public court proceedings, and it can be particularly beneficial when children are involved, as it encourages cooperative parenting post-divorce. Its roots lie in the broader alternative dispute resolution movement, which seeks to provide more accessible and less combative methods for resolving legal conflicts.
