Yes, and this is by design, not by accident. Section 9 of the Family Courts Act, 1984 actually obligates the Family Court to make an effort at reconciliation and settlement before it proceeds to a full contested trial. So in most matters, you can expect the court to refer the parties to mediation or a settlement attempt early in the process, whether the case is by mutual consent or hotly contested.

Mediation happens through court-annexed mediation centres and the settlement mechanism under Section 89 of the Civil Procedure Code, and Lok Adalats are also used for consent matters. The great advantage is that these sessions are confidential and "without prejudice" — nothing you say in an attempt to settle can later be used against you in the trial. That safety net lets both sides speak frankly about custody, maintenance, and property without fear.

Many of these mediations are conducted by trained mediators, and — to answer a question clients often ask — senior counsel and retired judges do serve as mediators and neutral evaluators in matrimonial disputes; a former judge's calm assessment often helps parties reach a fair, durable settlement far faster than a contested trial. If you would like a matter guided toward settlement, our empanelled divorce lawyers in Agra can help you prepare realistic terms before you enter the mediation room.

My advice is to treat mediation seriously rather than as a formality to rush through. A well-negotiated settlement saves you years, money, and emotional strain, and even if it fails, it costs you nothing in your eventual trial.