Mediation for Separation and Divorce
Mediation is an efficient and less expensive process than many other options. It is designed to help people reach the best agreements for themselves. A trained, professional mediator assists you in obtaining the information you need and focuses you on the issues that must be resolved in order go to court if that's what you decide to do.
Issues that are discussed often include parenting rights and responsibilities, financial decisions such as asset and debt allocation, decisions about property, health and life insurance, and much more.
Mediation provides a structured process in which to discuss these and other issues that couples must make decisions about in order to move forward. Mediation is based on the principles of informed decision-making, self-determination, and voluntariness. No one has to agree in mediation even if the court has referred you to mediation or mandated your attendance.
The mediator
- manages the process
- keeps you on track
- focuses on your objectives
- provides guidance to help you meet your goals
- assists you in identifying the important issues to discuss
- helps you develop the options that might resolve those issues
- works with everyone to understand needs and concerns
- talks through what might happen if all of you can't agree, and
- helps you plan for implementation of any agreements that you achieve