ABSTRACT

The practice of mediation, an alternative form of dispute resolution, has recently increased in usage and application in many fields, particularly in the settlements of divorce and child custody disputes. The origin of mediation can be traced to ancient historical traditions. Mediation has evolved into a multi-faceted process, which in the case of divorce disputes, combines aspects of therapy or counseling, legal information, and negotiation processes in the settlement of problems with complex emotional and psychological facets.