Mediation is an alternate route for splitting couples that can alleviate the stressful nature of a divorce and allow for a more flexible post-marriage agreement than a court-mandated ruling. It also gives the soon-to-be-exes an impartial and experienced third party that could provide insight into their divorce proceedings and promote an atmosphere of collaboration.

Because of the positive attributes of divorce mediation, the United Kingdom is preparing to enact forced mediation when a couple files for divorce. It is being considered one of the biggest reforms to the country's family law system in more than two decades.

The law would have a far-reaching effect on the British Isles, applying to both married and unmarried couples. In addition, parenting agreements will be a part of the law to give children the chance to maintain relationships with both of their parents. It is a push by the United Kingdom to promote more equal time and communication between a child and each member of the divorced couple.

This divorce mediation law will require the separating couple to attend a "mediation information and assessment meeting" before any divorce can become final, though exceptions will be made if the couple has a history of domestic violence.

Could this type of family law reform jump the Atlantic and be seen here in the United States? Advocate groups in the U.S. are already spreading alimony reform - most notably in New Jersey and Massachusetts - and there could soon be a movement to grant even splits for child visitation rights. In any case, this move by the United Kingdom will put a spotlight on divorce mediation, and this method of legal separation could see increased popularity in the near future.

Source: UK Daily Mail, "Separating couples 'will have to go to mediation' before being granted divorce," James Chapman, Feb. 7, 2012