What is Divorce Mediation? Ben Stich Answers on a Podcast

“What is divorce mediation?” was the fundamental question I was asked by Gabrielle Clemens, the host of the Marriage is About Love, Divorce is About Love podcast.

Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on Gabrielle’s podcast.

What is divorce mediation?

Gabrielle and I had a wide-ranging conversation about the heart of my work: helping people navigate divorce through mediation. If you’re wondering what is divorce mediation—especially when things are tense or high-conflict—this episode offers a deep dive into how the process works and why it’s often so effective.

At its core, mediation is about creating a path forward during a difficult time. It’s a structured, voluntary process where both people work with a neutral third party (that’s me!) to have productive conversations and make important decisions together. Mediation is private and confidential, giving couples the space to work through issues without the pressure of a courtroom or the risk of things being used against them later. It’s not about who “wins”—it’s about creating practical, durable agreements in a way that feels fair and respectful.

Myths about divorce mediation

One of the biggest myths I encounter is the idea that mediation only works if couples are already getting along. That’s not true. Mediation is designed to resolve conflict, not avoid it. My social work background has helped me develop an approach that works even when communication has broken down or emotions are running high.

During the interview, I explained how I structure the process to reduce tension and create space for constructive dialogue. Sometimes I will meet with folks for one-on-one prep meetings where each person can share their perspective and goals privately, before we begin joint sessions. We also talk through communication dynamics, hot buttons, and how to avoid getting stuck in old patterns.

Benefits of using mediation

As a mediator, I don’t take sides, give legal advice, or push my own opinions. I facilitate the conversation and help couples make informed, forward-focused decisions. My goal is always to empower both people to reach agreements that feel fair—not just now, but years down the road.

We also discussed how divorce mediation tends to be far less expensive than litigation. Further, mediation leaves the control and decisions in the hands of the parties. Whether we’re tackling parenting schedules, property division, or just one tricky issue that’s holding everything else up, mediation gives couples control over the outcome, instead of leaving it to attorneys or a judge.

Gabrielle asked if mediated agreements are more likely to be followed after divorce. My answer? Yes. When people create their own agreement—rather than having one imposed—they’re far more likely to stick with it. Mediation encourages cooperation and reduces the likelihood of ongoing conflict.

If you’re curious about whether mediation could work for you—or what it might look like in your situation—I’m always happy to talk. You can schedule a free consultation.

And if you’d like to listen to the full interview click the link above.

About Gabrielle Clemens: Gabrielle is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, commonly referred to as a CDFA, former divorce attorney, and author of Marriage is About Love, Divorce is About Money