For divorce or mixed famliy disputes involving children, the nature of the process and the state of the parent's relationship are critical. Research shows that children are much healthier after a divorce when the parents maintain an amicable, civil, or even friendly relationship. The cost to health and well-being is high when children experience their divorced parents as hostile and fighting. The very nature of litigation is a battle, fostering hostility and accusation. Mediation fosters communication and civility, and tends to open lines of communication and civil regard for future cooperation as parents.