Law & Mediation, PLLC

The Divorce Mediation Process

Initial Appointment

• An initial appointment is held during which both spouses attend and the general goals of the parties are discussed.
• A written agreement between the parties themselves as well as the mediator is reviewed and signed.
• The mediator will assign certain tasks at this initial meeting, such as bringing in certain documentation for the next meeting.

Subsequent Appointments

• A series of subsequent appointments are then conducted. Most will consist of a conjoint sessions (both spouses and the mediator) but sometimes the mediator may have individual meetings (one spouse and the mediator).
• The number of appointments will depend on the number of issues the spouses need to negotiate and the degree to which they are willing to compromise.
• The frequency of appointments is scheduled according to how much time spouses need to complete "homework assignments" and/or to "think" between sessions.

Agreement

• At each session the mediator makes detailed notes of agreements as they are reached.
• When all issues are resolved as a result of the mediation sessions, the mediator will draft a settlement agreement-a document summarizing the agreements that have been made.
• The mediator will recommend that the spouses take the agreement to a "consulting attorney" to look over the final document before signing.
• Once signed, the document is sent to Court for approval by the Judge and the matter is concluded.