What is mediation?

Mediation is an alternative to the traditional, adversarial process of litigation. It provides a way to work out a fair, legally enforceable settlement while keeping your divorce from becoming a bitter, endless, expensive war.

The mediator, a neutral professional trained to work out disagreements and reduce conflict, helps you and your spouse to work out a fair divorce agreement covering such issues as: asset and debt division, spousal support, child support, parenting, and tax implications. Some mediators work in teams, in what is known as ‘co-mediation.'

The mediator is an impartial professional. He or she works for, and has an obligation to, both of you. You may consult with a lawyer of your own — who represents just you — as often as you like during mediation.

There is never pressure to settle. The mediation is finished only when you are completely comfortable with your agreement. The mediator won't force a settlement on you, nor will a judge or other outsider.

Benefits of Mediation

People choose mediation for a variety of reasons. Some are:

• Keeps Kids Out of the Middle — Mediation's focus is on problem solving, not fighting. This helps you to avoid fights that upset your kids. Most couples who mediate become better at both communicating and parenting, as they restructure their relationship.
• Avoid High Legal Fees — Most mediated divorces cost far less than litigated divorces.
• No Court Battles — Mediation saves you from enduring nasty fighting and endless court procedures.
• You Keep Control — In mediation, you control every decision affecting your family, money, and life. You never give up control to strangers and mediation is confidential.
• Results — A recent statistically significant study proved that settlements are similar in mediated and non-mediated divorces.
• Compliance with Agreements — Research indicates that mediated agreements are most often observed, avoiding problems later on.