Mediator is a neutal party that helps you both come to separation agreement (property and all). Once you and the spouce "agree", then it can get turned over to one lawyer (assuming you both agree) to be put in "legalese" and submitted to the court. Advantage: mediator costs less than "lawywers-his/hers" doing the same thing, IF you are both amicable.
My Mrs went to the lawyer first, so she has one and I have one ($4500 in fees at this point between the two of us)
Note: comments based on IL law
As for quick out: My Mrs filed in June 2005, hoping for an Oct 2005 out. Her lawyer had told her 6mo-1yr. (next court date is Jan 18, 2006 settlement papers are not right yet)
Frankly the courts would rather see us do DB/DR and avoid the divorce process...hence there is time built in to allow reconciliaion...
