Mediation involves my working with both parties to work out the details for a divorce agreement, or for an agreement on any other family law issue. If you both want to resolve your case by agreement, there is almost always a way to achieve that — the intent to reach that goal is the key.
The costs you incur for mediation are usually a very small fraction of what you would incur in a contested case. The process is the same regardless of which option you choose: we work together systematically to gather all relevant information, analyze the issues, discuss options and alternatives, and reach the terms for a full settlement agreement.
Conflicts in Mediation
How attorney-mediators handle conflicts varies widely, as well as the office procedures and policies used. In my office, I have created two options for mediation.
If you and your spouse are interested in mediation, then I would recommend we set up the free phone consultation as a conference call. IF you do not yet know if your spouse may be interested in mediation, that is fine. We can determine the best course of action for your situation.
Option One: Full Mediation
This is the most common selection. This involves my working with both parties from the very beginning through the very end of the process. We never have any communication about your case except joint communication with all three of us.
Option Two: Limited Mediation
This is less common and something I created. The only difference is who I am communicating with. One party is the “client for conflict purpose” but we are all three working together all or most of the time.
The results are the same in either option, as our goal is reaching an agreement on all issues.
The Process
In both mediation options, the process is identical:
- Gather all relevant information, facts, and documents
- Analyze the issues and discuss all options and alternatives
- Work through the details to reach terms for a full settlement
- Produce a written settlement agreement — which you are both free to have reviewed by other attorneys
The agreement reached through this process ultimately becomes your court order.
Represented Parties
It is also possible to go through mediation when one or both parties are represented by other attorneys. I do not usually prepare the settlement agreement in that event, although that is your choice.
Scheduling a Mediation Appointment
Please email me so we can begin the process of scheduling a mediation appointment.
The Intent to Agree Is the Key
If you both want to resolve your case by agreement, there is almost always a way to achieve that — regardless of your assets, your ability to communicate, or the complexity of your situation.
Schedule a Mediation