There are two main reasons:

First, most individuals do not have the specific knowledge necessary for making fully informed decisions about the financial and legal aspects of divorce. The mediators at Diane Neumann & Associates have all of the knowledge that is required to reach the best settlement.

Second, even in the best of circumstances, the end of a significant relationship involves such intense emotions that it is difficult for two people to resolve issues on their own. Your mediator is a professional who can allow each person to have their feelings, without those feelings spilling over and jeopardizing your ability to reach fair agreements.

A frequent observation is that mediation is similar to a do-it-yourself divorce in that you and your spouse make the final decisions, but have the security of a professional who will look out for your best interests.

The danger in drafting your own divorce agreement is that the divorce court judge will almost certainly reject the document, unless you happen to be familiar with the rules and regulations of the court. Your mediator will draft a divorce agreement that is acceptable to the court, and insure that your interests and goals are reflected in that settlement.