Is Mediation worth the bother?

mediation is cheaper than litigation (40% of the cost) and faster. It results in higher rates of agreement and the agreements reached are longer-lasting because they are made between the parties and not imposed by the courts. Mediation is most effective when it deals simultaneously with financial and children matters. So, yes, it is worth bothering with.

Complaining that mediators don''t give legal advice is like complaining that lawyers don''t give mediation advice - these are two entirely different approaches to dispute resolution.

The situation is muddied by the fact that many mediators are also lawyers, and they will tend to push you towards litigation because it is more profitable for them. You need to avoid mediators, therefore, who are also solicitors and find a specialist.

Of course, if one party won''t cooperate or engage with the process then mediation won''t work, but the same is true of litigation.