The process in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a structured and facilitated approach to resolving disputes arising from the termination of a marriage. It involves a neutral third party assisting divorcing couples in reaching mutually agreeable terms regarding property division, child custody, spousal support, and other relevant issues. For instance, parties may utilize this method to negotiate a parenting plan that suits the needs of their children and their respective schedules.
This alternative dispute resolution technique presents numerous advantages. It can be significantly less adversarial and costly than traditional litigation. It empowers the parties to control the outcome of their separation, fostering a sense of ownership over the final agreement. Historically, its rise reflects a broader societal trend toward collaborative and efficient legal processes.