- Se'Lena Wingfield, Ph.D.
Mediated Divorce vs Traditional Divorce

The two types of divorce—traditional and mediated—differ in the way that the divorce is handled.
In a traditional divorce, the parties involved take the matter to court, where a judge makes the final decision about the division of assets, child support, and other issues. This type of divorce can be lengthy and expensive, and it is often difficult for the parties involved to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
In contrast, a mediated divorce involves both parties working with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve their disputes. The mediator helps the parties reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial, often by keeping the focus on the future rather than on the past. Mediation is usually less expensive and less time-consuming than a traditional divorce, and it is often more amicable and less adversarial. Additionally, the parties involved have more control over the outcome of the divorce, since they are the ones who reach the agreement.