There are not too many disadvantages of mediating your family issues. However, you need to keep in mind that:
- Your issues will only be resolved if you and your spouse agree on how to resolve them. The mediator has no power to make decisions for you. Consequently, if the two of you cannot come to an agreement, the issues remain unresolved.
- Unresolved issues still need to be addressed, which requires further costs.
- Sometimes you and your partner may resolve some of your issues in mediation, but not all of them. In such a case, even if the dispute continues in court, you are closer to the finish line.
- Mediated resolutions are not binding on the parties. They constitute a basis for entering into a binding separation agreement.
- Mediation is inappropriate when power dynamics are unequal, such as in domestic violence cases where one party might feel coerced.
