Luckily the answer to both questions is “ Yes!”.
Divorce mediation relies on a third-party impartial mediator to help parties come to a fair and equitable agreement on issues of spousal and child support, parenting, and the division of assets and liabilities. The neutral mediator guides the process, allowing the individuals to craft an agreement that works well for them and their family.
Usually, a well-trained mediator can tell early on how the parties interact with each other, and can take steps to ensure that everybody’s interests are met. The divorce decision-making process is too important to allow for brow-beating, or bullying by one party. A good divorce mediator recognizes that the goal is not just agreement, but an EQUITABLE agreement, and that such a result is possible only if everyone has a role in setting the terms.
-Randi M. Albert, JD