What Is Divorce Mediation?

Divorce mediation and custody mediation are a way to resolve divorce or custody disputes allowing you to control the outcome. The only people making decisions are those involved in the dispute, unlike arbitration or litigation where a judge or an arbitrator makes the final decision.

Divorce mediation and custody mediation typically consist of several joint meetings between spouses which last several hours each. During those meetings, the parties discuss the issues that need to be resolved in the case. The mediator is there to facilitate the discussion, assist with communication, provide information and suggestions and use specialized training to assist the two of you to resolve your differences. The mediator will also draft an agreement that is fair to both of you, and if you have children, in their best interests as well.

With the right commitment, mediation can work for almost any divorcing couple or parents with custody conflicts. While cooperating couples may choose mediation from the onset, even families with high-conflict divorces can benefit from family, custody or divorce mediation. Because litigation encourages acrimony and conflict, it's actually the high-conflict divorces and custody cases that can benefit most from mediation.

Separation and divorce are among the most painful and disruptive events an individual and family can experience. The problems are both financial and emotional, deeply touching all members of the family.

Mediation aims at reducing this tension, not increasing it. With the help of a mediator, couples negotiate their own settlement and learn the techniques for resolving future differences. Mediation is for couples who want to retain control over the decisions that affect their lives and don't want their children caught in the middle.

The mediator will help you to resolve issues through a process in which they will:

• Identify the needs of each party and the children;
• Help gather information including financial information necessary to make decisions about the division of assets and support issues;
• Explore what each party wants and help explore various alternative solutions to resolve your concerns regarding the issues of custody, property division, support and all other issues of your divorce;
• Assist you and your spouse in reaching an agreement that both parties are satisfied with.

Areas Of Mediation

The mediator will typically mediate the following issues:

• Child Custody and parenting plan
• Support including:
            o Child Support
            o Spousal Support
            o Family Support
• Property division

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