Divorce can be an incredibly painful experience, often accompanied by significant psychological and emotional stress. Mediation offers a way to ease this burden by providing a softer approach to dispute resolution without the hostility and pressure often found in courtroom battles.

As such, mediation should be initiated as early as possible to smoothen the divorce process, allowing individuals to begin healing while minimising potential emotional and mental stressors, advised Yeow Ming Zhen, Head of Strengthening Families Programme@Family Service Centre (MWS FAM@FSC).

“Communication is key. Regardless of how (the divorcing couple) feels about each other and the problems they are experiencing, it’s important for them to know that the children still matter,” she emphasised. “If they are able to communicate and work these (issues) out effectively and efficiently, they won’t only be helping themselves; they’d also help the family to heal more quickly from this painful event.”