Mediation will work only if the parties are willing to work together to make a good-faith attempt to reach an agreement. I always ask the question, "How important is it, really? Is that piece of furniture important enough that it's worth holding up your settlement? Would you be willing to take something in its place?" Interestingly ehough, it usually isn't the big issues that bog down the process, but the small ones. I have seen issues relating to custody, visitation and finances settled in one session, but questions concerning the video tapes, photo albums, and who gets the riding mower drag on for hours. Until all issues are resolved, an agreement cannot be prepared.