Is divorce mediation advisable? Ask the lawyer

Q: My spouse and I are going our separate ways. Our relationship is strained, but we have been told by friends we should try divorce mediation. Given our current negativity toward each other, does mediation make any sense?
-C.S., Los Angeles
Ron Sokol
A: Many lawsuits arise because of hostility. Divorce is certainly prone to emotions, including bitterness. Divorce mediation is a process that focuses on trying to help the parties reach agreement on division of assets, child custody and support is