Transformative mediation is a method for dealing with conflict. A neutral mediator helps the disputing parties discuss their situation with each other and explore their options for resolving their differences. It offers the following advantages over a legalistic approach:

Much less expensive.
You and the other party share the mediator's fees. For example, a typical mediated divorce costs around $1,500 in professional fees, while a traditional "divorce-with-lawyers" can cost $10,000 or more in professional fees.

Much better results.
The high quality conversation that transformative mediation supports allows you to come up with agreements that are as precise as you want. It also helps you change how you're dealing with the other person, so you feel better able to take care of your needs and more open to helping the other person.

Better interaction with the other party.
Litigation tends to result in deepening hostility, and a feeling of being victimized. Even in situations where you might not see the other party again, litigation leaves a bad taste in your mouth and is unsatisfying for both sides. Transformative mediation gives you the opportunity to handle the situation with integrity, strenth, courage, and compassion. It makes you much more likely to feel good about how the process was handled.

Freedom from legal biases
Many people who deal with the legal system discover that it it biased against them. Men and women both tend to experience the legal system this way. Even worse, same-gender couples receive very little help from the legal system when they break up. Transformative mediation allows you to address your unique situation in the way that feels best to both of you.

More About Mediation:
Check out these other resources to learn more about mediation and the transformative approach.

ARTICLE: A gentler process.

Mediation at wikipedia

Mediation at Google