These disinterested third-parties throw a cold eye on disputes and can be useful in bringing the parties together.

Many states make mediator, or they will be assigned to a court arbitrator or mediator.

The courts would much prefer to have spouses resolve their own disputed issues than have the court do so in arbitration helps reduce the number of litigated divorce cases.

Most spouses find this approach much more appealing the long run, both emotionally and financially.