Samenvatting

This article focuses on the different outcomes of mediation when starting at various moments in the divorce process. The assumption was that conflicts would escalate more the later the mediation began and as a consequence would affect the results of the mediation. This assumption was confirmed by research data. Not only is the chance of reaching agreement higher early in the divorce process, parties are also more satisfied with the mediation, regardless of the outcome. These results advocate referral to mediation in an early stage. However, referral to mediation should also be possible in a later stage.