What is Divorce Mediation

Mediation is one of the most extensively discussed methods for resolving conflicts these days. When people first visit the courtroom and get a taste of the litigation, they tend to seek the quickest path to settlement, that’s when mediation comes into play. Mediation is a form of negotiation and a popular divorce procedure. Several mediation centers have been established across the country to expedite the resolution of cases.

Also read Divorce Law in India

Mediation is a method of dispute resolution in which one or both parties appoint a mediator to assist them in achieving an amicable solution. A mediator is a neutral third party who assists parties in reaching an agreement by facilitating discussion among them.

Before litigation, many provisions in the law provide for mediation and settlement:

In the case of K. Srinivas Rao v D. A. Deepa [(2013) 5 SCC 226], the Supreme Court held that “even in criminal uncompoundable cases where parties wish to settle, they should be sent to mediation, making mediation mandatory in divorce proceedings if there is a chance of a settlement between the parties. It also mandated that all mediation centers establish pre-litigation desks/clinics and publicize them to the general public so that marriage problems might be resolved without resorting to litigation”.

How long does divorce mediation take and what are the costs?

The mediation procedure takes a long time since the mediator must first assess the issues before finding a solution. Some cases may last 30 days, while others may endure 7 to 8 months. It is dependent on the client's situation. While a mediator's cost may be comparable to an attorney’s, the mediation process takes far less time than going via traditional litigation. Less time spent means less money spent on fees and expenditures.

Use of Mediation During Divorce Proceedings in India

Mediators do not deliver a judgment but rather facilitate the resolution of disagreements between the parties. Many people approach mediation, before taking the issue to the court. One can initiate mediation by notifying the other party in advance by written notice.

Mediation is a fairly flexible process because the parties decide the best time for them.

Both parties are initially apprehensive about disclosing their personal lives to another or a third party. The mediator should start by asking simple questions and only then move on to deeper questions if the parties are at ease.

Previously, it was not the responsibility of mediation centers to resolve couples' problems. However, as time passes, mediation centers have been developed and are successfully operating to alleviate the burden of the court and to provide a wider perspective of the Indian judiciary.

Types of Mediation

Mediation can be classified into two categories:

Mediation through Court

Court-ordered mediation—Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, deals with court-ordered mediation for pending matters referred by the court.

Private Mediation

Qualified mediators provide a private service. The court or members of the public can use this service for free to settle any dispute. Private mediation is utilized to handle pending court cases as well as pre-litigation issues.

Mediation in Divorce

A couple visits a mediation center when they believe their relationship can be saved. Meditation centers have their own set of rules for dealing with issues. As a result, before going to court, couples are encouraged to seek mediation since the mediator attempts to bridge a gap between the two parties in order to preserve the marriage. In most circumstances, the court picks mediators based on their qualifications.

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Advantages and Disadvantages

Divorce mediation has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Mediation reduces the cost of litigation as well as the length of the process. It is a private and ethical process that does not affect either party's feelings. A third party assess the situation and comes to a conclusion that is ideal for both parties. As a result, it is a neutral procedure. Mediation is a straightforward and flexible technique that requires little formality.

Disadvantages

The mediator cannot pressurize or force any side to cooperate during the mediation process. It is entirely up to the individual whether or not to cooperate. Divorcing couples should try to address the matter on their own first, and only seek mediation if that fails.

You may also read Child Custody Law in India. 

Duty of the Court

Section 9 of the Family Court Act of 1984 prescribes the Family Court's duty to make settlement efforts. The duties of the family court are:

1. To assist and encourage the Parties to settle the dispute.
2. If the Family Court has reason to believe that possibility of settlement exists, then the Family court can adjourn the proceeding to enable amicable settlement.

Section 9 of the Family Court Act, 1984 mandates that a matrimonial dispute involving maintenance, child custody, divorces, and other issues be resolved through mediation. It also says that if the parties agree, they should go to a mediation center. Counselors can assist the family court in resolving disagreements if necessary. To minimize unnecessary delay, mediation centers should set a deadline for the resolution of the issue.

Divorce mediation is a must-do procedure that must be completed before going to court. It gives parties a chance to amicably settle their differences.