As Susan Ingram writes, a major benefit of mediation is that a couple can test out more than one parenting plan as they try to figure out what’s best for their child and family. The couple controls the timing and pacing of the mediation process. They can proceed as fast or slow as they deem necessary, until they are truly comfortable with the arrangements they’ve worked out. Contrast that with a couple that is litigating their divorce. Their separate lawyers often take rigid and “hard” positions on the issues, including parenting. And their lawyers typically encourage little or no communication between the two of them. Certainly not the best circumstances for working through (and testing out) a viable parenting plan. If you or someone you know could benefit from assistance in decision making during a divorce, contact Falmouth Mediation at 508-566-4159 for a free, no-obligation, private, confidential consultation. We will be happy to discuss the key details of your situation, address any concerns, and help you decide if divorce mediation would be beneficial.