This book investigates the efficacy and implications of non-legal dispute resolution mechanisms for divorcing couples within the British legal system. Gwynn Davis, a researcher in social policy and family law, utilizes extensive consumer-focused empirical data to evaluate how couples navigate separation. The work presents a critical analysis of the settlement-seeking behaviors exhibited by matrimonial lawyers and court welfare officers, questioning whether these professional interventions truly serve the interests of the parties involved.

Experts in family law and sociology frequently cite this work for its rigorous empirical approach to the study of divorce mediation. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a foundational look at the limitations of traditional legal settlement processes.