Divorce doesn’t always have to be a long, painful courtroom battle. In India, couples increasingly opt for mediation and settlement as a more peaceful, private, and cost-effective way to resolve disputes before—or instead of—filing for contested divorce.

🤝 Mediation is a voluntary process where both parties meet with a neutral third-party mediator to resolve disputes related to:

** Alimony / Maintenance

** Child custody and visitation

** Division of property and assets

** Debts, loans, and liabilities

** Future communication boundaries

📌 The mediator facilitates discussion but doesn’t impose a decision. The final agreement is signed by both parties and can be submitted in court for approval..

⚖️ Legal Basis for Mediation in India:

** Section 9 of the Family Courts Act encourages settlement through counseling or mediation.

** The Supreme Court and High Courts often refer divorcing couples to mediation cells within the court.

** Under the Special Marriage Act and Hindu Marriage Act, courts may pause proceedings and send couples for mediation.