Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce Mediation
What Is The Mediation Process?
Divorce and family mediators promote and facilitate discussions that allow the parties to exchange differing views, ask questions, discuss difficult topics, and find solutions. Unlike litigation, it involves face-to-face meetings between the parties. Because the mediator is trained in assisting productive communication, the discussions often lead to resolution without the need for court decision-making. Mediation is done in a series of meetings, usually about two hours in length during which the mediator collects background information about the parties and the dispute. The parties are guided in what information and documents they need to provide so informed decisions can be made and so they can work through the issues with the assistance of the mediator. The mediator drafts an agreement suitable for presentation to a court or to act as a contract between the parties.