So things didn't work out and you are planning to end your marriage. You have two choices when it comes to how to do this, and what you do may not only be up to you. You can have a nasty battle of money, kids, and anything else in court, or you can try using mediation for divorce. If you have children, a calm divorce is in their best interest, though we all know that this is not always possible. Some divorces are more amicable than others. Those that use mediation often realize that they have to put their children first, even if they cannot agree on anything else.
Some will not use mediation for divorce because they feel that they may be tricked into something they do not want. If this is your worry, you should make sure you are going for non-binding mediation and make sure it is clearly stated and on the record before you begin. This way, you can work through things but you are not bound by it unless and until you feel comfortable doing so. In some cases, mediation gets nowhere and you will end up in court anyway. However, this is a good first step because it shows a willingness to cooperate and to keep things civil.
Some will not use mediation for divorce because they feel that they may be tricked into something they do not want. If this is your worry, you should make sure you are going for non-binding mediation and make sure it is clearly stated and on the record before you begin. This way, you can work through things but you are not bound by it unless and until you feel comfortable doing so. In some cases, mediation gets nowhere and you will end up in court anyway. However, this is a good first step because it shows a willingness to cooperate and to keep things civil.