Is Divorce Mediation Right For You?

Last updated on February 18, 2026

If you are facing divorce in the Denver area, you are likely required to attempt mediation before seeking a trial. Or, you may want to request mediation to resolve a post-divorce concern. In either situation, mediation is a good place to start your divorce proceedings.

At GEM Family Law, our Colorado divorce lawyers and mediators believe that families are truly best served when they obtain comprehensive and practical resolutions to their family law disputes outside of court. Through a settlement, the parties have control over the final arrangement for their family, whereas in court, a judge is making a decision for you based on limited interaction and evidence. While we recognize that it is not always possible to avoid appearing before a judge, as one side may not be willing to reach a mutually agreeable resolution, we are experienced in alternative methods of resolving your divorce to give your family the best chance possible to maintain some control over the outcome.

Our Denver Divorce Mediation Practice

Our dynamic family law attorneys are experienced in both attending mediations with our clients and acting as mediators for parties who need neutral facilitation services. Generally, before any case moves to court, the judge will require attendance at mediation, which is an excellent opportunity to resolve the conflict in a creative way that may not be available to the judge. Parties attend at least one session with a divorce mediator, who is a neutral party working with them (and with their attorneys, if they choose) to reach a full or partial agreement. If a full agreement is reached, going to court becomes unnecessary. In mediation, we work with you to problem-solve in a more peaceful way to maintain control over the outcome of your case.

How Mediation Works

Mediation allows couples to discuss their divorce in a safe, respectful environment. With the help of your lawyer and the neutral mediator, you can come to solutions on issues such as property and asset division, spousal support, child support and child custody. You can be in the same room together or in separate rooms, with your attorneys communicating with each other. Even if the divorce is high-conflict, mediation can work as long as both parties are willing to try.

When a couple is able to reach an agreement on all of the issues, their lawyers can create a binding agreement. Once signed by both parties, the agreement can become a final divorce decree after the judge approves it.

There Are Many Benefits To Divorce Mediation

Mediation is often a better option than traditional divorce litigation for the following reasons:

• It is usually less expensive than a trial. Courtroom litigation is very costly, while mediation is reasonably priced.
• It typically is less stressful because you are working together instead of being pitted against each other. Mediation encourages collaboration.
• Mediation takes less time than litigation. You can schedule it sooner than a divorce trial and it usually takes less time to complete.
• Children often benefit from mediation. If you have custody concerns, it is easier on the children if you reach an agreement rather than putting them through a trial.
• You have more control over the process. If you go to trial, a judge with limited knowledge of your circumstances will decide the outcome of the divorce.

Speak with us if you have questions about whether mediation will benefit you and your family.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation To Learn More

To meet with one of our Denver divorce mediation lawyers to discuss whether it might work for you, please call our office at 720-443-4892 or send us an email to schedule your free consultation. We represent clients throughout the Denver metro area.