Whether your issues are civil or matrimonial, mediation gives you the opportunity to come together in a neutral, controlled environment to discuss your issues, and be creative in working out solutions. Things don’t always have to be reduced to statutes, or dollars and cents, which is what a judge will most often do. In mediation you can brainstorm, compromise, trade, cooperate … and listen to each other. By better understanding each other’s perspective, you can work together to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone.  Usually, no one is 100% satisfied at the conclusion of a mediation. But that most likely means it has been successful and fair, with both sides compromising to work things out.