When a couple concludes that their marriage no longer satisfies the needs of one or both of them and that they intend to divorce, a wide range of matters must be addressed at some point – and usually, the earlier, the better. The questions that they should address together concerning the children, if there are any, are numerous and very often do not consciously occur to the parents in that time of emotional stress. Moreover, financial and property issues typically present unique tensions that are eased with the help of a neutral person to guide the discussion. An experienced mediator is aware of the breadth and depth of the questions most couples want and need to resolve. With this background, the mediator can anticipate and guide the discussion over the emotional bumps in the road that a divorcing couple normally and naturally encounters on their way to a peaceful resolution.