Divorce mediation: Four models and their assumptions about change in parties' positions

Abstract

Abstract The authors identify four different models into which divorce mediation approaches and case studies fit: legal, labor management, therapeutic, and communication and information. Each model holds a unique central assumption regarding what will bring about change in parties' positions during divorce mediation. This assumption plays an important role in shaping mediators' intervention strategies and the interactions that develop during sessions. Given the differences in the models, the potential of divorce mediation may not be fully realized until practitioners and researchers, at some future point, develop ways to match parties with the approach that best suits their needs.