Divorce can feel like a battlefield—but it doesn’t have to be. In Episode 30 of Divorce Diaries: Lessons from the Trenches, Cary Jacobson, attorney and mediator at Jacobson Family Law, explains why divorce mediation is a smarter, more collaborative alternative to litigation. Instead of dragging your family through court, mediation helps couples resolve issues respectfully, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
What Is Divorce Mediation?
Divorce mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral mediator helps couples reach agreements outside of court. Instead of a judge making decisions, spouses work together to resolve key issues such as:
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Child custody and parenting schedules
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Division of assets and debts
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Spousal and child support
The mediator guides conversations, clarifies legal concepts, and keeps discussions focused on solutions. Importantly, the couple—not the court—remains in control of the outcome.
Why Choose Mediation Over Litigation?
Unlike litigation, which is often lengthy, expensive, and adversarial, mediation offers several advantages:
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Privacy: Sessions are confidential, not public.
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Cost savings: Mediation often costs a fraction of what litigation does.
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Faster resolution: Many cases resolve within weeks, not years.
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Future-focused: Mediation emphasizes solutions, not blame.
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Control and collaboration: Couples design agreements that fit their unique family needs.
Who Should Consider Mediation?
Mediation works for many couples—even those who don’t initially agree on everything. It’s best for spouses who want to avoid courtroom battles and are willing to communicate with the help of a neutral facilitator.
However, mediation may not be ideal in cases involving power imbalances, bad faith, or a refusal to share financial information. In those cases, additional support from attorneys or financial professionals may be needed.
A Respectful Path Forward
Divorce doesn’t have to destroy families. Mediation offers a dignified, drama-free way to separate while protecting children, reducing costs, and preserving control over the future.
👉 Want to learn more? Download our Divorce Mediation Guide with checklists, worksheets, and custody planning tools at stan.store/jacobsonfamilylaw.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of Divorce Diaries on your favorite platform or visit jacobsonfamilylaw.com/podcast.