Divorce Mediation is a process in which parties who wish to divorce, agree to problem-solve together using one neutral mediator who does not represent either party. Sometimes each party also has a lawyer, but in most cases not. In Divorce Mediation, the parties are the primary negotiators. The role of the lawyers, if any, is to advise their clients throughout the mediation process as to their legal rights and obligations. In our mediation practice, the married couple meets together with us to resolve disputes both during and sometimes after the divorce. As mediators, we work to assist with communication and cooperation, so that the parties can reach agreement on otherwise difficult topics to discuss.
The mediator helps the parties to:
The mediator does not make decisions for the parties and does not give advice. Rather, the mediator guides the communication process, so each party can be heard by the other. It is the responsibility of the parties themselves to reach a final agreement. An agreement is reached only when both parties voluntarily agree. The outcome of mediation is an informed, voluntary agreement between the parties that does not become legally binding until the court approves it. Although we are happy to provide information about statutes and courtroom experience, our job is not to guess what your outcome will be in court or try to sway one or the other party in a certain direction. We generally remind people that every case is unique, and every outcome is case-specific.