Is mediation mandatory in family law?
While mediation is not mandatory in family law, some jurisdictions do require parties to explore alternative dispute resolution methods before proceeding to trial. The idea behind this is to give the parties an opportunity to resolve their disputes amicably, without the need for court intervention, which is often more costly, time-consuming, and damaging to the family.
However, even when mediation is not required by the court, it can still be a valuable option for resolving family law disputes. Mediation allows the parties to have more control over the outcome of their dispute, preserves relationships and avoids the acrimony that can result from a court battle. Mediation is also less formal and less expensive than traditional litigation.
In summary, mediation is not always compulsory in family law, but it is often required as a prerequisite to going to trial. Mediation allows the parties to have more control over the outcome of their dispute, preserves relationships and avoids the acrimony that can result from a court battle. However, it's important to consider the specific circumstances of each case before deciding whether mediation is the right choice.