This method allows the negotiations and terms of the divorce to stay among the parties as much as possible and can reduce the need to have extended hearings. While ideally an attorney represents each party, the mediator is neutral and does not represent either person or side. The mediator is there to help you reach an agreement that is acceptable to both sides in a confidential and informal manner. In most cases, this brings an end to the divorce faster, less expensive and with people feeling relief to have it over.
More often, courts are requiring people to attend mediation in divorce and many other cases in an effort to get the parties to resolve it with as little court intervention as possible. This increase is in part the courts way reducing the number of cases, but also the cost to the people.