mediation is required in some states if children are involved to avoid disputes over custody.. Divorces can be amiable if both parties agree on principal to the main points and agree no issues as it relates to property or such.
I went through mediation counseling in regards to making sure I was considered when it came to custody. Initially my ex-wife’s attorney filed for every other weekend, I filed back for full custody. we settled on joint. She was looking as losing a bunch of money as the result of me having full custody. That was the ONLY reason she wanted full custody not for the kids’ benefit. I wound up having about 70% custody but paid for 50/50. I didn’t want her time with the kids being such they couldn’t afford to eat there. She was always hurting for money as she spent money on crap.. It was a learning experience for her to realize she had to live on less "Stuff".. She is still digging out from debt.