Mediation is considered as an alternative process to contested litigation. Mediation is a voluntary, participatory process in which a neutral third party helps the couple seeking a divorce reach a mutually acceptable agreement concerning such issues as property and custody. Suggestions are made to prevent subtle prejudices which often relegate women to an inferior status that weaken their position during the divorce. Women are urged to seek the advice of an attorney to help protect their rights throughout the divorce mediation process. Suggestions are also made concerning reasons to avoid mediation. For example, if physical, verbal, or psychological battering occurred in the marriage, or if the husband lies concerning his assets. Advantages of the mediating process include decreased divorce costs and psychological benefits stemming from participation in a cooperative decisionmaking process.