What is Divorce Mediation?

Utilizing mediation during a separation or divorce allows parties to make decisions that are reasonable for both parties and their family. In mediation, both parties meet with a mediator who provides assistance in helping the parties resolve disputes amicably in order to separate or end the marriage. Mediation can address child custody matters, parent planning, and distribution of property. Ongoing funding/support streams, expenses, retirement, and taxes can also be mediated.

Mediation can be extremely cost-effective and an excellent alternative to traditional litigation in many circumstances and allows the parties to control decision-making rather than placing those decisions in the hands of the court. An additional positive of mediation is the sense of confidentiality. Mediation is not available for public record, thus allowing the terms of the divorce to remain between the couple. There is a greater tendency in mediation for couples to walk away feeling as though they were able to retain or obtain what they wanted from the divorce while doing so on their own terms with far less discord amongst the parties.

Is Mediation Right for You?

If you and your spouse answer yes to the questions below, it is likely for you to have a positive and successful experience with mediation:

• Are both parties in agreement that they are ready to proceed with obtaining a divorce?
• Are you and your spouse willing and able to have negotiable conversations about the fair and equitable division of your marital assets?
• Are you wanting to be more financially conservative by staying out of costly and lengthy litigation?
• Are both parties willing to be frank and open about their financial situation including assets, investments, liquid cash, etc.?
• Are both parties willing and able to have a fair exchange of terms with regard to custody?
• Are you and your spouse looking to have a say on the terms of your divorce without having matters being determined by a judge?