Mediation usually takes less time than litigation. The pace is completely up to the parties, but it is common for the parties to move at different speeds. This can cause severe disagreement. Mediation typically involves a compromise between the pace of the person who is not quite ready for the divorce and that of the person who is more reconciled to the idea of the divorce. One spouse often needs more time than the other to adjust to the separation and to understand the process and the issues
Mediation goes faster when the parties promptly and thoroughly follow through with the tasks assigned, but can take longer if the issues are complex. The goal of the process is to develop an enforceable Marital Settlement Agreement; there are many unforeseen circumstances that affect the length of the process, but the parties, along with their mediator, are ultimately in control.
