If the couple cannot reach agreement on the issues, mediation is good way to resolve the problem. The two parties and their lawyers meet with a neutral third party, a trained mediator, to work through the contested issues in an effort to settle the matters amicably and avoid a costly trial. It should be kept in mind that mediation requires concessions on the part of both parties.
If the parties cannot reach agreement and some matters remain unsettled, a trial will be necessary. In this event, each party will present their case in court and a judge will make a final decision on the issues.